Police have arrested nine people in connection with allegations of sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery at a religious community in Crewe, Cheshire. More than 500 officers took part in the raids, targeting the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, which has its headquarters at a former orphanage known as Webb House.
The suspects – six men and three women – are of American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Egyptian nationalities, Cheshire Police said. Two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue were also searched. The arrests follow a complaint made in March by a woman who said she was raped and sexually abused while part of the group in 2023. She has since moved to the Republic of Ireland.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley 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. This is not an investigation into the religion – this is an investigation into the serious allegations which have been reported to us.”
The group moved to Cheshire from Sweden in 2021 and was founded by Abdullah Hashem, reportedly an Egyptian-American. About 150 people live at Webb House. Welfare centres have been set up to safeguard 56 children, all home-schooled and part of the community. The investigation has been supported by Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and the Garda.
Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said he had “repeatedly raised concerns about the group” and urged police to conduct thorough investigations. Patrols have been stepped up to reassure local residents, and police say there is no risk to the wider community.
