Nine individuals have been apprehended following an investigation into allegations of severe sexual misconduct, human exploitation, and coerced matrimony within a religious settlement in Crewe.
Authorities conducted a sweeping operation involving over 500 law enforcement officers across three locations, culminating in the arrests after receiving reports concerning members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, associated with a sect of Islam, headquartered at a former orphanage in Cheshire. Police disclosed that six men and three women of various nationalities including Mexican, Italian, American, Spanish, Swedish, and Egyptian descent are currently in custody.
The purported transgressions are reported to have occurred in 2023 and involve a female who was part of the group at that time. Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley described the operation, carried out by Cheshire Police in collaboration with neighboring forces and international agencies like Europol, the Swedish Police Authority, and An Garda Siochana, as the result of a meticulous and thorough inquiry.
In an update, Cheshire Police confirmed the arrest of nine individuals in connection with the probe into allegations of severe sexual abuse, forced marriage, and modern slavery. Additionally, 13 individuals were detained on suspicion of public order offenses unrelated to the ongoing investigation.
A witness observed individuals fleeing through a park and adjacent streets during the police activity in Crewe, with local residents seeking clarifications from authorities who reportedly refrained from commenting on the operation.
Cheshire Police announced the apprehension of six individuals linked to serious sexual offenses, forced marriage, and human exploitation, consisting of four men and two women of American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, and British origins.
Cheshire East Council expressed its commitment to supporting affected individuals following a significant police operation at Webb House in Crewe, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and assistance of displaced persons while refraining from further comments due to the active police investigation.
Individuals with relevant information are urged to reach out to Cheshire Police through the Public Portal or by dialing 101 to aid the ongoing investigation.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, which is situated at Webb House in Crewe and reportedly accommodates around 150 residents, is known for blending elements of Shia Islam with conspiracy theories regarding the Illuminati and extraterrestrial control over US presidents, with mainstream Muslim organizations distancing themselves from the group.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley emphasized that the probe focuses on specific allegations and not the religion itself, underscoring the commitment to pursue justice for all reported instances of sexual assault while ensuring the welfare of group members. Increased patrols have been deployed to reassure the local community, with assurances of no wider risk posed.
The operation, initiated by Cheshire Police and supported by neighboring forces, commenced early in the morning and continues as detectives conduct searches at the three identified properties subsequent to the arrests.
Officers, in response to reports of serious offenses involving members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, have detained multiple individuals following the initiation of a probe prompted by allegations of severe sexual abuse, forced marriage, and modern slavery dating back to 2023.
Cheshire Police were alerted to the allegations in March, which pertain to a single female victim associated with the group at the time. Following investigations, warrants were executed at three locations in Crewe, including Webb House, leading to the apprehensions.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police disclosed ongoing warrant executions at three addresses in Crewe in response to allegations of severe sexual abuse, human exploitation, and coerced matrimony within a religious enclave, assuring further updates as information becomes available.
