Police finish searching religious group HQ in abuse and slavery probe
Over 500 police officers took part in the raids, which concluded on Sunday.
Police have finished their search of the former-orphanage turned headquarters of a religious group who are being investigated for sexual abuse, modern slavery and forced marriage.
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The leader of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light community in Crewe, Cheshire, was among 10 people arrested last week in police raids at several properties, including the former Webb House orphanage where the group is based.
On Sunday, Cheshire Police concluded searches at Webb House and allowed residents to return to the property.
Seven men and three women were released on conditional bail over the suspected offences, which all relate to one victim and are alleged to have taken place while she was a member of the religious group in 2023.
Read more: Ten people released on bail after raid at religious community
According to police, civil orders have now been placed on the group's American leader Abdullah Hashem, 42, British national Ali Muhammad, 35; Italian-born Veronica Carla Esponda, 44; German Eyad Elkhouly, 44, and Mexican Kevin Omar Rodriguez-Ponce, 30.
The orders include restrictions preventing them from entering Crewe, contacting the alleged victim and having unsupervised contact with children without the consent of their parents and approval from social services.
They have also been forced to surrender their passports and other travel documents to police.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said: “Once again, I would like to thank local residents for their ongoing support and patience following Wednesday’s warrants, which resulted in some disruption in the local area.
“While our searches have now concluded, none of the suspects we arrested will be returning to Webb House and we will continue to maintain a uniformed presence in the area to provide reassurance.
“As we have stated from the very beginning, this is not an investigation into religion. Our investigation solely focuses on the serious allegations which have been reported to us.
“With that in mind, I’d also remind everyone that this remains a live investigation which will take some time, and I would ask that people do not speculate while the case remains ongoing.”