ROCHDALE GROOMING GANG LEADER MOVED AFTER HOSTEL ADDRESS DISCLOSED ONLINE

Shabir Ahmed, the leader of a grooming gang convicted in the Rochdale case, has been relocated from a hostel in Accrington, Lancashire, after its address was published on social media. Ahmed led a nine-member group found guilty of exploiting girls as young as 13 at two takeaways in Heywood between 2007 and an unspecified end date. He was released from prison earlier in July 2026 after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence imposed in 2012 for rape and multiple sexual offences.

Ahmed, a former taxi driver, has been stripped of his British citizenship and holds only Pakistani citizenship. However, he cannot currently be deported under a 1971 law preventing the removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. The government has announced plans to change this law to enable his removal, although Pakistan has resisted accepting his return. Ahmed faces multiple licence conditions including residence at approved 24-hour staffed accommodation and exclusion from his former Oldham address and parts of Rochdale.

Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith stated she had pressed authorities to move Ahmed following his release into the constituency. Smith confirmed his relocation and thanked the Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Lancashire Police for facilitating the outcome. The disclosure of his hostel location prompted significant local concern and subsequent action by elected representatives.