Deptford kidnapper with 50 convictions wins deportation appeal

Avdi Alija, a 39-year-old man with 50 criminal convictions, has successfully appealed a deportation order against him. The ruling, made by immigration judge Ian Boyes on September 29, means Alija can remain in the United Kingdom. Alija arrived in the UK illegally at the age of 14 and has accumulated numerous convictions since 2022.

Criminal History and Kidnapping Conviction

Alija's criminal record includes offences such as burglary, theft, and drug possession, primarily committed in south-east London. In 2018, he was part of a group that kidnapped a man in Deptford. The victim was held at Alija's flat on Bowditch for four and a half hours while the gang attempted to extort £50,000 from his wife. During the ordeal, the hostage was assaulted and threatened with further violence. He eventually escaped by jumping from a second-floor balcony, sustaining severe injuries that led officers to believe he had been stabbed. Alija received a 10-year prison sentence for false imprisonment and grievous bodily harm in relation to this incident and has since been released on licence.

Deportation Appeal Ruling

A deportation order was issued against Alija in March 2022, as he was considered a danger to the public. However, Judge Boyes overturned this order after considering Alija's circumstances. The court heard that Alija was born in Kosovo to Roma parents who died during the Kosovo War. He arrived in the UK in the back of a lorry in 2022. Enquiries by the Home Office and Kosovo authorities failed to identify any country that recognised Alija as a citizen, leaving him effectively stateless. Judge Boyes concluded that Alija would face significant difficulties in Kosovo, including a lack of recognised citizenship, identity documents, and family support, making him vulnerable to exploitation and destitution. The judge stated that, considering all factors, the consequences of deporting Alija would be exceptionally harsh.