Hundreds of Officers Raid Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Headquarters Amid Slavery and Abuse Probe
More than 500 police officers launched a massive coordinated operation in Crewe, Cheshire, executing search warrants at three properties linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL). The raids, which took place on Tuesday morning, are part of a wide-ranging investigation into allegations of modern slavery, forced marriage and serious sexual offences.
The operation involved Cheshire Police and several neighboring forces, focusing on the group’s headquarters—a Grade II-listed former orphanage known as Webb House. Police confirmed that the raids were the culmination of a “detailed and robust investigation,” according to Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley.
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
The investigation was triggered in March 2026 after Cheshire Police received a complaint from a woman currently based in the Republic of Ireland. The victim, who was a member of the sect at the time, alleged she was raped and sexually abused at the group’s headquarters in 2023.
Beyond the sexual abuse claims, detectives are investigating reports of forced marriage and modern slavery occurring within the community. The scale of the police presence—drawn from across the north-west of England—underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the complexity of the operation.
Arrests and Suspects
Police have arrested six individuals in connection with the probe. The group of suspects includes four men and two women of diverse nationalities, including:
- American
- Mexican
- British
- German
- Spanish
- Italian
Following the arrests, officers conducted extensive searches of the premises to gather evidence related to the 2023 offences.
Inside the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a sect that blends tenets of Shia Islam with unconventional conspiracy theories. The group’s beliefs reportedly include claims that aliens and the Illuminati control U.S. Presidents. Followers believe the sect’s leader, who resides at the Crewe headquarters, possesses the ability to cure the sick and make the moon disappear.
Approximately 150 members live together in the sprawling headquarters in Crewe, even as other followers reside in the surrounding town and globally.
Community and Official Response
The raids caused significant disruption in the Victoria Avenue area, with police closing roads near Queens Park and deploying ambulances to the scene. Cheshire East Council is currently working with police to provide safeguarding for those affected by the operation.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council stated, “Our priority is to ensure that those people who have been displaced are safe and supported.”
Key Takeaways: The Crewe Religious Group Raid
- Scale of Operation: 500+ officers raided three addresses, including Webb House.
- Core Allegations: Serious sexual offences, modern slavery, and forced marriage allegedly occurring in 2023.
- Arrests: Six people arrested, representing six different nationalities.
- The Victim: The probe stems from a complaint made in March 2026 by a former member now in Ireland.
- The Group: A sect of roughly 150 residents in Crewe blending Islam with alien and Illuminati conspiracy theories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light?
It is a religious sect based in Crewe, Cheshire, that combines elements of Islam with beliefs in extraterrestrials and secret societies. The group is led by a figure who claims supernatural powers.
Why did police raid the headquarters?
Police executed warrants following allegations of serious sexual abuse, modern slavery, and forced marriage reported by a former member of the group.
How many people were arrested?
Six individuals—four males and two females—have been arrested. They include citizens of the UK, US, Mexico, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Cheshire Police continue to urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact them via the Public Portal.