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Sheffield serial rapist flees to Pakistan while on bail, leaving survivors feeling betrayed
Overview
Three survivors of sexual abuse by Amar Ilyas have expressed outrage and disappointment after he fled to Pakistan while on court bail, avoiding his trial. Ilyas was convicted in his absence of 20 sexual offences against five girls in Sheffield, committed between 2004 and 2007 as part of the National Crime Agency's Operation Stovewood, and sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison. Victims questioned why he was permitted to keep his passport and called for legal changes to prevent sex offenders from absconding. The National Crime Agency stated it is making every effort to ensure Ilyas is brought before the court to serve his sentence.
Key points
- Amar Ilyas, 41, was convicted of 20 sexual offences against five girls and sentenced in his absence to a minimum of 27 years in prison.
- Ilyas fled to Pakistan in July 2025 while on court bail and did not return for his trial in September 2025.
- Victims criticised the legal system for allowing him to retain his passport and expressed feelings of betrayal and a lack of justice.
- His two younger brothers were also jailed for sexual offences against one victim.
- The National Crime Agency and law enforcement are actively working to locate Ilyas and execute the outstanding arrest warrant.