CREWE, England (Diya TV) — Hundreds of police officers carried out a major raid Thursday on a religious group operating from a former orphanage in northwest England. Authorities said the operation followed serious allegations, including rape, modern slavery, and forced marriage. Police stressed that the investigation targets alleged criminal acts, not religious beliefs.
Around 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighboring forces arrived shortly before 9 a.m. at Webb House, a Grade II-listed building in Crewe. The site serves as the base for the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, also known as AROPL. Officers searched the property and several related addresses. Authorities arrested multiple suspects of different nationalities. Investigators also worked with partner agencies to safeguard more than 50 children living at the site. Police said those children had been receiving home education. Officials are now ensuring their safety and well-being.
Authorities said the case centers on allegations involving one woman. Investigators believe the alleged offenses occurred in 2023 while she was a member of the group. The reported crimes include sexual abuse, forced marriage,e and modern slavery. Specialist officers are now speaking with potential victims and witnesses. Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said officers take such allegations seriously. He added that the operation followed a detailed investigation.
“This is not an investigation into the religion,” Wrigley said. “We are focusing on serious criminal allegations reported to us.”
Former members have raised concerns about the group’s practices. In 2025, several ex-followers told The Guardian they felt pressure to cut ties with family and friends outside the group. Some also claimed leaders encouraged them to give money or sell property. One woman said she handed over all her wedding gifts. Another person claimed he donated about £33,000. These accounts have added to scrutiny around the group’s activities in the UK.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light describes itself as a peaceful movement rooted in Shia Islam. It says it promotes equality, human rights,s and spiritual teachings linked to Abrahamic faiths. Lawyers for the group denied any wrongdoing. They said members do not face pressure to sell property or donate income. They also said families choose homeschooling independently, with oversight from local education authorities. The group also stated it supports mainstream medical guidance from the National Health Service.
Webb House has a long history in Crewe. Builders originally constructed it as an orphanage for children of railway workers. Those workers had died in job-related accidents. The building later served as offices for British Rail. It also functioned as a specialist mental health facility under the NHS before the religious group moved in during 2021. Authorities estimate about 150 followers currently live at the property, including families with children.
Police continue to search the premises and gather evidence. Officers are working with social services and other agencies to support those affected. Investigators said the case remains active. They urged anyone with information to come forward. Wrigley said protecting victims remains the top priority. “We will do all we can to achieve justice,” he said. The raid marks one of the largest police operations in the area in recent years. It highlights growing concerns about safeguarding vulnerable individuals within closed communities.
