Six held after religious group modern slavery raid

Six people have been arrested over serious allegations, including modern slavery, at a religious group in Cheshire, police say.

More than 500 officers were involved in raids at three addresses, as part of an investigation of a religious group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (ARPOL), in Crewe.

Cheshire Police said they were made aware last month of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023.

The force said the group currently had 150 members and the allegations related to one woman, who was a member at the time the offences are said to have taken place.

Of those arrested, the force said four were male and two female, with their nationalities including American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish and British.

The raids took place at about 08:50 BST, and a number of police vehicles and ambulances were seen at King George V playing fields.

There were also reports roads had been closed in the Victoria Avenue area, near to Queens Park.

Detectives have been searching three buildings, including Webb House, and officers said they were working with the local authority to support residents and put appropriate safeguarding measures in place.

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said they were supporting those affected: "Our priority is to ensure that those people who have been displaced are safe and supported."

"Today's operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation," said Ch Supt Gareth Wrigley.

"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," he added.

Mainstream Muslim groups have long distanced themselves from ARPOL.

The group was founded at the beginning of the century by followers of Shia Islam and claimed its roots to be in Shiism or Shia Islam.

ARPOL are not to be confused with the Sunni-Islam rooted Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, often known as Ahmadis, which was founded in Pakistan and has a big presence in the UK, given persecution over many decades in Pakistan.

"We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice," Wrigley said.

He added the force was "working closely" with its partners to provide support for the group's members.

"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," Wrigley added.

"I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer."

Anyone with any information which could assist was urged to contact the force.

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