In a major law enforcement operation, 500 police officers raided the headquarters of an Islamic sect in Crewe, Cheshire, arresting multiple individuals on suspicion of serious sexual offenses, forced marriage, and modern slavery.

The Tuesday morning operation involved officers from Cheshire supported by colleagues from the Northwest Region, executing multiple warrants around the town. The primary focus of the 8:50 AM raid was “Webb House” on Victoria Avenue, a Grade II listed property and former orphanage that currently serves as the headquarters for the “Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.”

Authorities launched the investigation into the sect’s leadership following allegations of crimes reported to have taken place in 2023. According to Cheshire police, the investigation was triggered in March when a woman now residing in Ireland came forward, alleging she had been raped and sexually abused at the headquarters while she was a member of the sect.

Arrests and Police Statement

During the raid, nine individuals—six men and three women—were arrested in connection with the primary allegations. The nationalities of those detained include one British man, one Italian woman, three Americans, one Swede, one Egyptian man, one German man, and one Spanish man. An additional 13 people were arrested on suspicion of public order offenses inside the property.

Police emphasized that the operation is targeted at specific individuals and alleged criminal acts, rather than the religious group itself. “Our policing activity and ongoing complex investigation relate to allegations of serious sexual offenses, forced marriage, and modern slavery. I must stress at this point we are investigating those offenses and we are not investigating the religious group,” a police spokesperson stated.

A significant police presence will remain in the area for evidence searches, and the road serving the property has been closed. Authorities have assured the local community that there are no ongoing wider concerns for public safety. Officers are also working closely with multi-agency safeguarding partners to appropriately address any vulnerabilities identified at the address.

Background on the Sect

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light moved to Crewe in 2021 and has charity status in Britain. Around 150 people reside together at the Webb House headquarters, including an estimated 56 children who are homeschooled.

The group describes itself as a peaceful, open, and transparent religious movement derived from Shia Islam. However, reports indicate that its followers blend central tenets of Islam with various conspiracy theories. Members are known to wear black beanie hats, and adherence beliefs allegedly include the sect leader possessing the ability to cure sickness and make the moon disappear. The group has heavily promoted itself on social media, garnering over 31 million views on its YouTube videos.

Before establishing its base in the UK, the group had roots in Egypt and Germany, and later headquartered in Sweden. The relocation to Britain in 2021 followed an investigation by Swedish immigration forces, which led to the revocation of residency permits for 69 members and subsequent deportation rulings.

The sect has consistently denied using illegal immigration practices and claims it is a victim of global persecution due to its beliefs in equality and human rights. Police have urged the public to refrain from speculation as the complex, multi-agency investigation remains live and ongoing.