Rochdale Grooming Gang Member Builds House in Pakistan Amidst Deportation Battle

A convicted member of the Rochdale grooming gang, Qari Abdul Rauf, has reportedly constructed a house in Pakistan. Rauf was found guilty of serious sexual offenses against children, including rape and trafficking, in 2012. Following his conviction, he was slated for deportation to his home country in 2015 after serving a portion of his sentence.

Rauf, a former taxi driver and preacher, claims to be stateless, having renounced his Pakistani nationality and had his British citizenship revoked. He originally left the Pakistani village of Charhoi in the 1990s to move to the UK and currently resides in Rochdale. Pakistani authorities have previously indicated that accepting him back would be challenging, particularly if he had renounced his citizenship.

Reports from residents in his former Pakistani village now indicate that Rauf has financed the construction of a house there. They suggest that he intends to reside there if deported. This ongoing deportation case has resulted in a substantial amount of legal aid, funded by taxpayers. Neighbors in the village have stated that his family maintains influence in the area, although his criminal history could pose a risk due to public sentiment.

Neighbors in Rochdale have also reported that Rauf frequently hosts parties, with visitors regularly coming and going. Rauf was one of nine men convicted of sexually assaulting numerous young girls, after providing them with alcohol and drugs. Despite the deportation order issued a decade ago, he has avoided being sent back to Pakistan. He has destroyed his passport, and Pakistan will not accept him without the proper travel documents. Appeals against his deportation have been unsuccessful, including one in 2022 and another in August 2024.