Qari Rauf, aged 55, was identified as the ringleader of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang, a group of nine men who systematically exploited vulnerable young girls in northern England. In 2012, Rauf and his accomplices were convicted of serious sexual offences, including rape and trafficking, following a high-profile trial that exposed the scale of child sexual exploitation in the area. The case shocked the nation, highlighting failures in child protection and law enforcement responses to grooming gangs.
The offences involved luring underage girls, many from troubled backgrounds, into abusive relationships through grooming tactics. The gang, predominantly of Pakistani heritage, targeted girls as young as 13, subjecting them to repeated rapes, sexual assaults, and trafficking to other locations for exploitation. Rauf, who posed as a taxi driver and community figure, was sentenced to six years in prison after serving just two-and-a-half years before being considered for deportation in 2014. Despite plans to remove him to Pakistan, Rauf destroyed his passport and claimed statelessness, exploiting a legal loophole that has allowed him to remain in the UK for over a decade.
- Conviction details: Rauf was one of nine men jailed for a total of 77 years for their roles in the grooming operation.
- Appeal and deportation: In 2018, Rauf lost an appeal against deportation, but Pakistan refused to accept him without valid documents, leaving him in limbo.
Neighbours in Rochdale have expressed outrage upon discovering Rauf's return to a terraced house in the same street where many victims were targeted. Reports indicate he has been hosting parties with numerous visitors, prompting fears among residents, particularly parents. Angie Harrison, a local mother, told the Daily Mail: 'He has loads of people there, having parties and we don't like the look of the people who come. We are back-to-back with his house. The street is full of kids. I am constantly checking and checking.' Childminder Anita Howarth added: 'It is a constant reminder that our country does not care. I sit out watching the girls and who they are talking to.'
Despite community backlash, Rauf has received enhanced protection from Greater Manchester Police, including a panic button in his home linked directly to officers. Police informed concerned residents that he has 'done his time' and must be left alone. Lena Carter, a long-time resident, noted: 'He broke the law but he knows how to play the system. I can't believe he is still there.' The situation underscores ongoing tensions around the rehabilitation and monitoring of convicted sex offenders, with victims still rebuilding their lives while Rauf appears to live without apparent remorse, walking freely and even banned from his local mosque.
This case, originally investigated by Greater Manchester Police, continues to fuel debates on immigration, deportation policies, and the adequacy of safeguards for communities affected by such crimes. Sources: Daily Mail article published 23 June 2025.