Nine arrests after dawn raid on Islamic religious group's secretive HQ over allegations of sexual abuse, modern slavery and forced marriage
Cheshire Police made multiple arrests after carrying out a raid on three properties in Crewe connected with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
Hundreds of police swoop on former orphanage in northern England as part of a major investigation into allegations of serious sexual abuse, modern slavery and forced marriage.
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Cheshire Police made nine arrests after carrying out a raid on three properties in Crewe connected with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, an Islamic religious group.
More than 500 policemen swooped on the cult based at the site of a former children’s orphanage at Webb House, Crewe, at 8:50am on Wednesday morning.
Six men and three women of American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Egyptian nationalities are in custody.
Cheshire Police have stressed that they are not investigating the group, they are investigating the offences. All of the offences involve one victim who was a member of the group at the time of the alleged offences in 2023.
Detectives are now conducting a search of the premises.
The highly controversial group combines Islamic roots, unorthodox social attitudes, apocalyptic ideas and conspiracy beliefs in its practice.
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Chief Superintendent 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.
"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.
"We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice.
"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."
A number of welfare centres have been set up to safeguard and look after 56 children, all home-schooled and part of the local Ahmadi community.
Police said the investigation has been supported by officers from Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and the Garda.
Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, wrote on X that he had “repeatedly raised concerns about the group”.
He said: “I understand that this news will be particularly worrying for residents in close proximity to the addresses where the arrests have taken place.
“I have asked that Cheshire Police will conduct their investigations thoroughly and promptly to ensure calm is restored to our community.”
An urgent review has also been launched into the group's charitable status.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: "We refused an application to register Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light as a charity in 2021, a decision which the organisation appealed to the courts.
"As a result of these proceedings and new information it brought to light, the Commission was compelled to register the charity. The charity was registered in July 2025.
"We are urgently assessing information relating to allegations of serious abuse at the charity, and will liaise with other agencies, including the police, to determine the appropriate regulatory response.
"We expect charities to keep those who come into contact with them safe from harm. People put their trust in charities and when this is broken it can have a devastating impact."
