Police Raid on Muslim Group Over Slavery, Rape Allegations
More than 500 officers arrested ten members of a Muslim religious group accused of modern slavery, rape and forced marriage, marking a decisive intervention after years of unaddressed allegations at the Crewe compound.
More than 500 Cheshire Police officers stormed a former orphanage in Crewe Wednesday, arresting ten members of a Muslim group accused of modern slavery, rape and forced marriage. The operation against the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light targets allegations of exploitation that former members say went unchallenged for years behind the walls of Webb House, the group's UK headquarters.
The raid follows a 2023 allegation from a former member who said she was raped and sexually abused at the compound. Cheshire Police confirmed the investigation began after those claims surfaced. Chief Supt. Gareth Wrigley said officers treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and remain committed to achieving justice.
"We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice," Wrigley stated. He emphasized the investigation targets criminal allegations, not religion itself. The ten suspects include seven men and three women from eight countries. All were released on bail May 1, with Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders sought against five.
The operation echoes concerns raised in Baroness Louise Casey's 2025 grooming gang report, which documented a systemic "culture of blindness" toward group-based sexual exploitation across England. Local data revealed "disproportionate numbers of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds amongst suspects" in Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. Over 800 cases await formal review.
AROPL arrived in Crewe from Sweden after Swedish authorities revoked 69 residency permits for members using fake and sham visas. The Home Office now investigates AROPL Studios' issuance of 12 skilled worker visas between 2022 and 2025. Group lawyers told The Guardian in March that "the immigration status of all its members and workers was lawful."
Founder Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq proclaims himself the Mahdi, a new Pope and successor to Jesus and Muhammad. About 150 people live at the £2 million Webb House compound, including 56 home-schooled children. Former members described a tightly controlled environment where they severed outside ties and surrendered finances. One former member donated £33,000.
Wrigley said police work with partners to provide appropriate advice and safeguarding to group members. He reassured residents that there is no risk to the wider community, noting increased patrols in the area. Police charged 25 additional people with public order offenses following the raid.
Labour MP Connor Naismith confirmed police investigate allegations he and his team faced serious harassment, abuse and intimidation while addressing local concerns. The political backdrop intensifies as polling shows Reform UK leading at 25 percent support, while Labour and Conservatives each sit at 19 percent.
"If good people don't grip difficult issues, in my experience bad people do," Casey warned during a press briefing. The government accepted all 12 recommendations from her report, launching a national inquiry that identified hundreds of cases for review.
The raid signals that religious and charitable status might no longer shield abusive operations from scrutiny. It underscores the need for robust enforcement and transparent oversight to protect vulnerable individuals and restore public faith in British justice institutions.