Introduction
Maksim Cela, a 60-year-old Albanian national convicted of murder and conspiracy to bomb a football stadium, remains in the United Kingdom 15 months after losing his final appeal against deportation, according to reports from the Daily Express and The Sun.
Background
Cela was convicted of masterminding the murder of an anti-mob police officer in Albania in 2000 and for plotting to blow up a football stadium in his homeland. Reports differ on the length of his sentence: the Daily Express says he served 23 years for murder and was released in December 2022, while The Sun describes him as having served a life sentence. Both outlets agree he is now 60 years old.
The Daily Express reports that Cela entered the UK on a fake passport via Heathrow Airport after his release. His legal battle against deportation has been ongoing since his arrival.
Legal Proceedings and Claims
Cela's attempts to avoid deportation have involved shifting claims. Initially, he argued he could not be sent home because the elderly mother of the murdered officer might seek revenge. He later changed his position, claiming he would be at risk of degrading treatment or torture if returned to Albania. Both outlets report these claims.
His case came before Judge Jeremy Rintoul, who branded Cela a liar and rejected his appeal. The Sun reports this ruling came two months after Cela's initial claims. Both outlets note that Cela was identified following a 23-month campaign by The Sun newspaper to overturn an anonymity order protecting his human rights.
Current Status and Home Office Response
Despite the court ruling, Cela remains in the UK and is believed to reside in the Birmingham area, according to sources cited by The Sun. Legal bills associated with his case are believed to have cost British taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds.
The Home Office previously stated that removal was imminent but this week declined to explain the delay, saying they were "not prepared to give a running commentary." The Home Office also stated, "We will do everything in our power to deport this dangerous criminal" and noted that "Nearly 10,000 foreign criminals have been removed since the last election."