Modern slavery inquiry at religious group continues
BBCPolice investigations are continuing after more than 500 officers were involved in raids of a Crewe religious group over modern slavery allegations.
Ten people were arrested on Wednesday during three raids co-ordinated by Cheshire Police, which is also investigating alleged serious sexual offences and forced marriage claims involving the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol) group.
Raids took place at Webb House and properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue, all owned by the group that was started by Shia Islam at the start of the century, but whose beliefs have been rejected by Shiism.
Earlier, about 50 people were outside Middlewich custody centre, with police officers nearby.
Officers also remain at the scene of the raids carrying out further searches and also working to support local residents.
The force said it was made aware last month of allegations that reportedly date back to 2023.
Its inquiry relates to one woman, who was a member at the time offences were said to have taken place.
There are currently about 150 members at the group's Crewe base, and police said safeguarding measures have been put in place for those affected.
Those arrested on Wednesday were:
- A 30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences
- A 35-year-old British man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
- 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 44-year-old German man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery 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
The operation, which also involved officers from neighbouring forces, took place at about 08:50 BST.
A further 13 people were also arrested on suspicion of public order offences, which do not relate to the investigation.
Arpol claims its roots are in Shiism or Shia Islam, but mainstream Muslim groups have long distanced themselves from the group.
The group is not to be confused with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, often known as Ahmadis, which was founded on the Asian subcontinent, and has a big presence in the UK.
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