Cheshire Police finish searching religious group headquarters in abuse and slavery probe

Police have finished searching the headquarters of a religious group as part of an investigation into alleged sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery.

The leader of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light community in Crewe, Cheshire, was among 10 people arrested last week after more than 500 officers took part in raids – including at former orphanage Webb House where the group is based.

The seven men and three women were released on conditional bail over the suspected offences, which all relate to one victim and are alleged to have taken place while she was a member of the religious group in 2023.

On Sunday, Cheshire Police concluded searches at Webb House and the property was released back to its residents.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said: “Once again, I would like to thank local residents for their ongoing support and patience following Wednesday’s warrants, which resulted in some disruption in the local area.

“While our searches have now concluded, none of the suspects we arrested will be returning to Webb House and we will continue to maintain a uniformed presence in the area to provide reassurance.

“As we have stated from the very beginning, this is not an investigation into religion. Our investigation solely focuses on the serious allegations which have been reported to us.

“With that in mind, I’d also remind everyone that this remains a live investigation which will take some time, and I would ask that people do not speculate while the case remains ongoing.”

The group’s leader and four others arrested were made subjects of civil orders to restrict their activities.

According to police, civil orders were granted in relation to the group’s American founder Abdullah Hashem, 42, as well as British national Ali Muhammad, 35; Veronica Carla Esponda, 44, an Italian national; Eyad Elkhouly, 44, who is German, and Kevin Omar Rodriguez-Ponce, 30, of Mexican nationality.

The orders include restrictions which prevent the individuals from entering Crewe, contacting the victim in the case and having unsupervised contact with children without the consent of their parents and approval from social services.

They also had to surrender their passports and other travel documents within 24 hours of the order being made.

On Wednesday April 29, police raided properties in Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue, Crewe, as well as the community’s base, where 150 people are believed to have been living.

Twenty-five people were charged with public order offences alleged to have taken place while those warrants were being carried out.

They are due to appear before magistrates next month.

The Ahmadi religious group, linked to a branch of Islam, moved to Cheshire in 2021 from Sweden.