Ten people released on bail after raid at religious community
More than 500 officers took part in raids in Crewe, Cheshire, on Wednesday, with the suspects allegedly members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
Ten people who were arrested as part of a probe into alleged sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery at a religious community have been released on bail.
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More than 500 officers took part in raids in Crewe, Cheshire, on Wednesday, with the suspects allegedly members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, which has a headquarters in the town.
Cheshire Police said seven men and three women were arrested in relation to the 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.
On Friday, a force spokesman said the suspects – of American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Egyptian nationalities – had been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Bail conditions were in place and officers had applied for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders against five of the suspects, the force said.
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Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank local residents for their support and patience following the warrants, which resulted in some disruption in the local area.
“I would also like to reiterate that is not an investigation into the religion, our investigation solely focuses on the serious allegations which have been reported to us.
“Following the warrants, we are continuing to work closely our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group.
“Additional patrols in the local area will remain in place throughout the bank holiday weekend to provide reassure, and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.
“I’d also remind residents 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.”
Twenty-five people were charged with public order offences alleged to have taken place while the warrants were being carried out, police said on Thursday.
They are due to appear before magistrates next month.
About 150 people are believed to have been living at the religious community’s base Webb House in Crewe, a former orphanage.
Two other properties, in Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue, Crewe, were also raided by police.
The Ahmadi religious group, linked to a branch of Islam, moved to Cheshire in 2021 from Sweden.
The group was founded by Abdullah Hashem who is reportedly an Egyptian-American.