A religious community in Cheshire has been raided by police as part of a probe into allegations of sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery.
Officers carried out three raids in Crewe on Wednesday morning at locations relating to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), arresting a number of people.
Cheshire Police were made aware of the offences, which are reported to have taken place in 2023, last month, with all offences involving one victim, a woman, who was a member of the group at the time.
Following a detailed investigation into the allegations, three warrants were conducted at around 8.50am, including at Webb House where the religious group is based.
The scene at Webb House
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Six suspects, four males and two women, of multiple nationalities, have been arrested.
A number of police vehicles and ambulances were seen at King George V playing fields in the area, with roads being closed in the Victoria Avenue area, near to Queens Park.
More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces were involved in the operation, and detectives are now conducting a search of the premises following the arrests.
Officers are also working closely with the local authority to support the residents from the property and appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
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.”
Webb House is a former orphanage, and reportedly has around 150 people living at the property.
A number of welfare centres have been set up to safeguard and look after the 56 children who are part of the community, all of whom are home schooled.
What is the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light?
According to Religion Media Centre, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light began in Iraq and is now active across 40 countries, with an estimated 7,000 people having had contact with the movement.
Founded at the beginning of the century by followers of Shia Islam, its followers believe it is the one true universal religion and that its members are God’s chosen people.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
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AROPL moved its headquarters to Cheshire from Sweden in 2021, having been investigated by immigration authorities who issued deportation orders to dozens of its members.
AROPL blends tenets of Islam with a number of conspiracy theories, including that US presidents are controlled by aliens, and the existence of shapeshifting alien-human hybrids.
Members also believe that George Washington was actually Adam Weishaupt, who is believed to be the founder of the Illuminati, and that the sect’s leader, who lives with them in Webb House, can cure the sick and make the moon disappear.
Mainstream Muslim groups have long distanced themselves from AROPL, and the group’s followers have been persecuted in Muslim-majority countries where their views are widely rejected and seen as blasphemous.
They are not to be confused with the Sunni-Islam rooted Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, often known as Ahmadis, which was founded in Pakistan and has a big presence in the UK, given persecution over many decades in Pakistan.