Nine individuals have been taken into custody following a large-scale police operation targeting an Islamic sect operating from a former orphanage in Crewe, Cheshire. The raid, conducted by approximately 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces, targeted the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), which has faced allegations of rape, modern slavery, and forced marriage.
Details of the Raid
Shortly before 9am, officers descended on Grade II-listed Webb House and two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue. Six men and three women, aged in their thirties and forties and hailing from Mexico, the United States, Spain, Egypt, Sweden, and Italy, were arrested. Additionally, 13 other individuals were detained on suspicion of public order offences unrelated to the main investigation. The operation was supported by Europol, the Swedish Police Authority, and the Garda.
Allegations and Investigation
Police stated they became aware of the allegations last month, which involve serious sexual abuse, modern slavery, and forced marriage. All alleged offences pertain to a single female victim during her membership in the group in 2023. Authorities emphasised that the investigation is not targeting the religious group itself and poses no risk to the wider community.
Community Concerns
Around 100 locals gathered near the police cordon, expressing unease about the group's activities. One resident remarked, "You can't go near the grounds at night without their security guards shining bright lights at you and shouting – it's very intimidating." Followers of AROPL, many wearing the group's distinctive black beanie hats, attempted to breach the cordon but were held back by officers.
Background of the Group
AROPL, previously based in Sweden, relocated to Crewe in 2021. The sect is derived from Shia Islam and describes itself as a peaceful movement promoting equality and human rights. Ex-members told The Guardian in 2025 that they felt pressured to cut ties with the outside world and sell their homes to fund the group. One woman claimed she handed over her wedding gift money, while another donated approximately £33,000. Approximately 150 followers live in the £2 million Webb House, including families with children who are home-schooled there.
Legal Representation
Lawyers for AROPL assert that the sect advocates for mainstream medical advice from the NHS and does not require members to sell property or surrender salaries. They maintain that children are home-schooled by their parents with local education authority approval and monitoring.
Police Statement
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary stated: "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. 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 that the force is working with partners to provide safeguarding to other group members.
