Nine people now arrested following serious allegations at a religious group in Crewe

Officers investigating reports of several serious offences alleged to have involved members of a religious group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, have arrested nine people.

In March 2026 Cheshire police were made aware of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023.  

All of the offences involved one victim, a woman, who was a member of the group at the time the offences occurred.

Following a detailed investigation into the allegations, officers have today, Wednesday 29 April, conducted three warrants in Crewe, including Webb House, along with two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue, leading to the arrest of six men and three women.

More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces have been involved in the operation, which took place at around 8.50am today. 

The arrests include:

• 30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences.
• 44-year-old Italian woman, arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
• 42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault 
• 42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of  modern slavery offences, sexual assault and forced marriage offences.
• 35-year-old Spanish man arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage offences.
• 39-year-old Swedish woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
• 35-year-old Egyptian man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
• 43-year-old American woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault.
• 30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault.

A further 13 people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences, which do not relate to the investigation.

Following the arrests, detectives are now conducting a search of the premises.

Officers are 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.”  

Anyone with any information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire police at Public Portal or call 101.

The investigation has been supported by officers from Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and the Garda.

Statement from Europol

Europol supported the investigation from an early stage by facilitating operational meetings and providing continuous analytical support, helping to map the structure of the network and its cross-border activities.

On the action day, Europol enabled the deployment of law enforcement officers from Ireland and Sweden to the United Kingdom and provided financial support for their participation. Europol also deployed staff on the ground, allowing investigators to exchange information in real time and rapidly process intelligence during the operation.

The following authorities took part in the investigation:

• Ireland: An Garda Síochána
• Sweden: Swedish Police Authority
• United Kingdom

Pictured - The police convoy.