In 2019, the Offender Database reports that the deportation of key members of the Rochdale grooming gang remains a subject of “critical” legal and political tension. While multiple appeals have been exhausted, several individuals convicted in the 2012 trial—including Abdul Rauf, Adil Khan, and Abdul Aziz—have utilised complex legal manoeuvres to delay their removal from Greater Manchester.
The investigation into their status established that:
- Citizenship Stripping: In 2018, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision to strip Rauf, Khan, and Aziz of their British citizenship, ruling that their “vicious” crimes constituted a flagrant abuse of British values.
- Human Rights Appeals: Following their release from prison, the men launched a seven-year legal battle, citing Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to a private and family life). They argued that deportation would “viciously” separate them from their children in the UK.
- Statelessness Claims: A “bizarre” legal tactic involved the men renouncing their Pakistani citizenship in an attempt to become “stateless,” which would legally bar the UK from deporting them to Pakistan.
Judicial Rulings and “Lack of Remorse”
In October 2022, an Immigration Tribunal dismissed the final human rights appeals for Adil Khan and Abdul Rauf. Judge Charlotte Welsh reported that Khan demonstrated a “breathtaking lack of remorse” for his crimes, which included plying girls as young as 13 with drugs and trafficking them for “vile” sexual exploitation.
The judges ruled there was a “very strong public interest” in their removal. However, Abdul Aziz—referred to during the trial as “The Master”—was reportedly allowed to remain in the UK after renouncing his Pakistani citizenship just days before a key court ruling, creating a “protracted” legal stalemate.
Status in 2026: Direct Flights and Political Pressure
As of 2026, the following status is reported:
- Ongoing Presence: Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan are still documented as living in the Rochdale area. Local residents and victims have expressed “horrific” distress at encountering their abusers in public spaces, such as local supermarkets.
- Political Action: In July 2025, Rochdale MP Paul Waugh stepped up calls for the Home Office to expedite the deportations. He suggested that the restoration of direct flights between the UK and Pakistan should facilitate the return of these “abhorrent” predators.
- Financial Cost: The legal battles to deport the gang members have reportedly cost the UK taxpayer over £550,000 in legal aid.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The men remain managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Greater Manchester Police. Because they remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life, they are subject to strict notification requirements. Greater Manchester Police state that they will continue to monitor the men “critically” as long as they remain on UK soil. Any breach of their registration conditions or further “vicious” behaviour will result in their immediate return to court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.