A major police operation in the United Kingdom has led to the arrest of nine individuals connected to a religious group based in Crewe, Cheshire, following serious allegations including rape, sexual assault, forced marriage, and modern slavery, as reported by the BBC.
Coordinated Raids and Arrests
More than 500 officers executed coordinated early-morning raids at three properties associated with the group known as the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol). The organization, founded in the early 2000s by followers emerging from Shia Islam, currently has an estimated 150 members at its headquarters in Crewe.
Cheshire Police stated that they were alerted to the allegations last month, with claims reportedly dating back to 2023. The investigation centers on offenses involving one woman who was a member of the group at the time. A police spokesperson emphasized that the inquiry focuses on individuals and “does not relate to the religion itself.”
Details of Those Arrested
The arrested individuals include six men and three women of various nationalities: American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, and British. They face a range of allegations including human trafficking, rape, sexual assault, forced marriage, and modern slavery. Among them, a 35-year-old Spanish man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault, and forced marriage. A 30-year-old Mexican man is being held on suspicion of human trafficking along with sexual and forced marriage offenses. Others are suspected of modern slavery and sexual assault.
Separately, 13 more people were arrested on suspicion of public order offenses, which police said are not connected to the main investigation.
Police Presence and Community Impact
The raids took place shortly before 09:00 BST, with a heavy police presence reported across parts of Crewe. Emergency services were seen near King George V playing fields, while roads around Victoria Avenue and near Queens Park were temporarily closed. Searches were conducted at several locations, including Webb House and properties along Nantwich Road.
Police are working with the local authority to support residents and ensure safeguarding measures are in place. A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council stated, “Our priority is to ensure that those people who have been displaced are safe and supported.”
The operation was supported by Europol, with assistance from officers in Ireland and Sweden.
