In a sweeping operation that has sent shockwaves through the Cheshire town of Crewe, more than 500 police officers descended on the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) early Wednesday morning, April 29, 2026. The raid, which was supported by a police helicopter and officers from neighboring forces as well as international agencies, was the result of a detailed investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage, and modern slavery within the religious group.
The police action, which began at around 8:50 am, targeted three addresses in Crewe, including the group’s primary base at Webb House on Victoria Avenue. Webb House, a sprawling former orphanage and NHS hospital, has served as AROPL’s UK headquarters since 2021, housing around 150 adults and children in a communal setting. According to BBC News, the group, which originated in Iraq and is now active in 40 countries, moved its base to the UK from Sweden five years ago. The movement claims to have had contact with approximately 7,000 people worldwide.
Cheshire Police confirmed that the investigation was triggered in March 2026, when they received reports of grave offences allegedly committed the previous year. All of the allegations center on a single female victim who was a member of the group at the time the incidents are said to have occurred. The offences under investigation include sexual assault, forced marriage, human trafficking, rape, and modern slavery.
During the operation, officers arrested nine individuals—six men and three women—of various nationalities, including American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, British, Swedish, and Egyptian. The BBC provided further details on those detained: a 30-year-old Mexican man was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault, and forced marriage; a 44-year-old Italian woman on suspicion of modern slavery and sexual assault; two American men, one for sexual assault and another for modern slavery, sexual assault, and forced marriage; a 35-year-old Spanish man for rape, sexual assault, assault, and forced marriage; a 39-year-old Swedish woman for modern slavery and sexual assault; a 35-year-old Egyptian man for modern slavery and sexual assault; a 43-year-old American woman for modern slavery and sexual assault; and another 30-year-old Mexican man for modern slavery and sexual assault. The diversity of the suspects’ backgrounds highlights the international character of the group.
In addition to these arrests, police revealed that a further 13 individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of public order offences, though these were unrelated to the main investigation. The police presence was significant, with a convoy of vans and ambulances seen in the area and roads closed around Victoria Avenue and King George V playing fields, just over a mile from Crewe’s town center.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary sought to reassure the public in statements to multiple outlets, including BBC News and Crewe Nub News. “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,” Wrigley said. He emphasized, “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.”
Wrigley was keen to highlight the force’s commitment to justice and safeguarding, stating, “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.”
Support for those affected by the raid has been a priority for local authorities. Officers are working closely with Cheshire East Council to ensure that residents displaced by the police operation are safe and supported. A spokesperson for the council told BBC News, “Our priority is to ensure that those people who have been displaced are safe and supported.” Safeguarding measures have been put in place for all residents at Webb House and other properties connected to the group.
The operation also had an international dimension. According to BBC News, Europol was involved, with officers from Ireland and Sweden supporting their British counterparts. This cross-border cooperation reflects the transnational reach of AROPL, which has often drawn attention—and controversy—due to its origins and beliefs. Founded at the beginning of the century by followers of Shia Islam, AROPL’s beliefs have been rejected by mainstream Shiism, and the group is not to be confused with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a separate and well-established movement with a significant UK presence.
The local political response has been swift. Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe & Nantwich, told Crewe Nub News, “Constituents will be aware that I have repeatedly raised concerns about this group. The allegations are extremely serious and must be investigated fully and without prejudice. Cheshire Police are working closely with partner agencies to ensure proper safeguarding of residents in and around Webb House.” He acknowledged the anxiety the raids have caused in the community, adding, “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 that justice is done and that calm is restored to our community.”
Naismith also urged the public not to speculate about the arrests, emphasizing the need for the investigation to proceed without prejudice or rumor. “If anyone has any further information that they think may be important to these investigations, I would urge them to get in touch with the police directly,” he said.
For now, the investigation continues, with detectives conducting thorough searches of all relevant premises and working to support both the alleged victim and other members of the group. The police have made clear that their focus remains squarely on the serious allegations at hand, not on the religious beliefs of the group’s members. Officers have called on anyone with information to contact Cheshire Police via their public portal or by calling 101.
As Crewe grapples with the aftermath of the largest police operation in its recent history, the community waits anxiously for answers, hoping that the ongoing investigation will bring both justice for the victim and reassurance for the town’s residents.