Police in the United Kingdom carried out a large-scale operation on Wednesday targeting the headquarters of a religious sect in Crewe, leading to multiple arrests tied to allegations of sexual offenses, forced marriage, and slavery.
More than 500 officers from forces across northwest England took part in the raid at Webb House, a former orphanage used as the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, also known as AROPL. Police vehicles entered the gated property and nearby roads were shut down.
Police confirmed that nine people were arrested in connection with the investigation and remain in custody. A further 13 individuals were arrested on suspicion of unrelated public order offenses.
The arrests stem from allegations reported to Cheshire Constabulary last month involving one female complainant. Police said the alleged offenses took place in 2023 and include serious sexual offenses, forced marriage, and slavery.
Ch Supt Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary said: “Today’s operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of a religious group called Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe," reports the Telegraph.
He added: “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.”
Police said six men and three women were arrested on suspicion of offenses including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, forced marriage, and slavery offenses. Authorities said the suspects are American, Mexican, Spanish, Egyptian, Italian, and Swedish nationals.
Following the arrests, detectives began searching the premises and other locations in Crewe under court-issued warrants. AROPL was founded in 2018 by Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem and relocated its headquarters to Crewe in 2021. The sect blends elements of Shia Islam with other beliefs and has built a sizable online following through content posted to platforms including YouTube and TikTok.
Around 150 people are understood to live at Webb House, including roughly 56 children who are reportedly homeschooled on site. Wrigley said safeguarding measures are being coordinated for those living at the property. “We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice,” he said.
He also stated: “Following the arrests we are working closely with our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group.”
“I would like to reassure residents that there is no risk to the wider community, and patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to local residents. I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.”
More than 500 officers from forces across northwest England took part in the raid at Webb House, a former orphanage used as the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, also known as AROPL. Police vehicles entered the gated property and nearby roads were shut down.
Police confirmed that nine people were arrested in connection with the investigation and remain in custody. A further 13 individuals were arrested on suspicion of unrelated public order offenses.
The arrests stem from allegations reported to Cheshire Constabulary last month involving one female complainant. Police said the alleged offenses took place in 2023 and include serious sexual offenses, forced marriage, and slavery.
Ch Supt Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary said: “Today’s operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of a religious group called Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe," reports the Telegraph.
He added: “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.”
Police said six men and three women were arrested on suspicion of offenses including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, forced marriage, and slavery offenses. Authorities said the suspects are American, Mexican, Spanish, Egyptian, Italian, and Swedish nationals.
Following the arrests, detectives began searching the premises and other locations in Crewe under court-issued warrants. AROPL was founded in 2018 by Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem and relocated its headquarters to Crewe in 2021. The sect blends elements of Shia Islam with other beliefs and has built a sizable online following through content posted to platforms including YouTube and TikTok.
Around 150 people are understood to live at Webb House, including roughly 56 children who are reportedly homeschooled on site. Wrigley said safeguarding measures are being coordinated for those living at the property. “We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice,” he said.
He also stated: “Following the arrests we are working closely with our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group.”
“I would like to reassure residents that there is no risk to the wider community, and patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to local residents. I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.”
