Topic analysis

Crewe religious group raided by police investigating allegations of serious sexual offences

Cheshire Police deployed around 500 officers to raid the Crewe headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) and other local properties on Wednesday morning, investigating allegations of serious sexual offences, modern slavery, and forced marriage. Nine suspects (six men and three women of multiple nationalities) were arrested in connection with the probe, with 13 others held on public order charges; the investigation stemmed from a March complaint by a woman now in Ireland alleging 2023 rape and abuse at the site, and police are working with local partners to safeguard approximately 56 children residing at the headquarters while stressing the inquiry targets individual suspects, not the religion itself.