Police raid Crewe religious headquarters in major operation over allegations of sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery
Crewe, Cheshire – 30 April 2026
More than 500 police officers from across north-west England took part in coordinated raids yesterday on the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, Cheshire, as part of an investigation into serious allegations of sexual offences, modern slavery and forced marriage.
The operation, which began shortly before 9am on 29 April, targeted three addresses linked to the group, including its main base at Webb House, a former orphanage on Victoria Avenue that houses approximately 150 members. Officers executed search warrants and arrested nine individuals, all of whom are members of the religious organisation. Six men and three women were detained on suspicion of a range of offences including human trafficking, sexual assault, rape, forced marriage and modern slavery.
The suspects, who remain in custody, are understood to include nationals from the United States, Mexico, Spain, Egypt, Italy and Sweden. A further 13 people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences unrelated to the core investigation.
Cheshire Police confirmed that the operation was the result of a detailed inquiry prompted by reports received in March from a woman now living in the Republic of Ireland. The allegations relate to incidents said to have occurred in 2023 at the group’s headquarters while she was a member.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary stated: “Today’s operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation. While those arrested are members of the group, I want to make clear that this is not an investigation into the religion; this is an investigation into the serious allegations which have been reported to us.”
He added: “We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice.” The force emphasised that there is no risk to the wider community and that local patrols had been increased to provide reassurance. Officers are working with Cheshire East Council and other partners to ensure safeguarding measures are in place, particularly for the approximately 56 children understood to be living at the headquarters, who are home-schooled.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, also known as AROPL, describes itself as a peaceful movement derived from Shia Islam that promotes equality and human rights. It has charitable status in the United Kingdom and maintains a significant online presence, with YouTube videos reportedly attracting more than 31 million views. Followers, who often wear distinctive black beanie hats, live communally at the Crewe site and produce professional media content on the premises.
The group relocated its headquarters to Crewe from Sweden in 2021, having previously been based in Egypt and Germany. It has faced scrutiny in several countries. In Sweden, immigration authorities revoked residency permits for dozens of members in 2022, rulings the organisation described as racist and religiously motivated. In the United Kingdom, the Home Office has previously examined its use of skilled worker visas for a media production company linked to the sect; the group has consistently maintained that all immigration arrangements were lawful.
Former members have described a tightly controlled environment in which individuals were reportedly encouraged to limit contact with outsiders, though the organisation’s lawyers have strongly denied such claims and rejected any suggestion of coercive practices.
A spokesperson for the group, contacted through its legal representatives, said: “Our client has no comment other than to say that any wrongdoing is vehemently denied.”
Local MP Connor Naismith (Labour, Crewe and Nantwich) described the raids as “worrying for residents” but commended the police for their professional handling of the operation.
Searches of the premises continued yesterday afternoon, with a significant police presence remaining in the area. The force has appealed for anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The nine suspects are expected to be questioned further in the coming days as the investigation proceeds. No further charges had been announced at the time of going to press.
