Nine arrests following religious group modern slavery raid in Crewe
Warrants are being carried out at a number of locations
Last updated 7 minutes ago
A major police operation is underway in Crewe following allegations of serious sexual abuse.
Officers are 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.
Cheshire Police say a total of nine people have been arrested.
Officers say they were made aware in March 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.
Those arrested
Those arrested include:
- A 30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences.
- A 44-year-old Italian woman, arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
- A 42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault
- A 42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences, sexual assault and forced marriage offences.
- A 35-year-old Spanish man arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage offences.
- A 39-year-old Swedish woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
- A 35-year-old Egyptian man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
- A 43-year-old American woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault.
- A 30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault.
The operation
Following a detailed investigation into the allegations, officers have today (29 April) conducted three warrants in Crewe, including Webb House, leading to the arrest of several people.
More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces have been involved in the operation, which took place at around 8.50am today.
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.
"I want to make clear that this is not an investigation into the religion"
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.”
A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said
”Cheshire East Council is supporting people affected following a major Cheshire Police operation at Webb House in Crewe.
"Our priority is to ensure that those people who have been displaced are safe and supported. As this relates to a live police investigation it would not be appropriate to comment further."