Choudhry Ikhalaq Hussain

Choudhry Ikhalaq Hussain, a convicted child sex offender, was arrested on 26 January 2019 in Sangla City, Punjab, Pakistan, during a joint operation involving the Federal Investigation Agency, Punjab Police, and the UK's National Crime Agency. This arrest marks a significant step in international efforts to bring fugitives to justice for child sexual exploitation crimes committed in the UK.

In 2016, Hussain was sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment in the UK for serious sexual offences against a child. He was found guilty in absentia of three counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of rape, and one count of conspiracy to rape. These convictions stemmed from Operation Doublet, a long-running investigation by Greater Manchester Police into the sexual exploitation of teenage girls in Rochdale. The case highlighted a network of offenders who groomed and abused vulnerable young girls, with Hussain playing a key role in the crimes.

Hussain fled to Pakistan during his trial, evading immediate custody. Since 2017, UK authorities had been collaborating with Pakistani officials to secure his arrest and extradition. This effort was bolstered by the UK-Pakistan justice and accountability partnership, established during British Home Secretary Sajid Javid's visit to Pakistan in September 2018. The partnership aims to combat organised crime and international criminality, with Hussain's case serving as a prime example of its success.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew CMG, commented on the arrest: 'The arrest of this individual, who has been convicted of sexual offences by a British court, is a significant achievement, and another excellent example of UK-Pakistan cooperation in tackling international criminality and impunity. It sends a clear message that Pakistan is not a safe haven for international criminals.' He expressed gratitude to the Federal Investigation Agency and Punjab Police for their professionalism.

Following his arrest, Hussain's case was referred to Pakistani courts to determine his extradition to the UK, where he is expected to serve his sentence. Born on 12 September 1977 and formerly residing at Mayfield Terrace in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, Hussain's capture underscores the ongoing commitment to pursuing justice for victims of child sexual exploitation. This operation follows the successful extradition of another fugitive, Shahid Mohammad, in October 2018, further strengthening bilateral ties on criminal matters.

Source: GOV.UK, British High Commission Islamabad, published 1 February 2019.