UK Police Arrest Nine in Sect Raid Over Abuse Allegations

British police have arrested nine people following a large-scale raid on a religious sect's headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire, over allegations of rape, modern slavery, and forced marriage. The operation, involving around 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighboring forces, targeted the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), a Shia-derived movement operating out of a former orphanage. The arrests include six men and three women, all in their thirties or forties, from Mexico, the US, Spain, Egypt, Sweden, and Italy. Police confirmed the investigation stems from allegations made by a single female victim, who was a member of the group in 2023. The raids were conducted at Webb House, the sect's headquarters, as well as two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue. More than 50 children who were being homeschooled at the orphanage are now in the care of partner agencies. Police emphasized that the investigation is not directed at the religious group itself but focuses on the serious allegations reported. Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary stated, 'This is not an investigation into the religion; this is an investigation into the serious allegations which have been reported to us.' The AROPL, founded by Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem, has faced previous scrutiny over its financial practices, with ex-members alleging pressure to sell possessions to fund the sect's activities. The group's leader has claimed messianic status, further distancing it from mainstream Islamic beliefs. The operation was supported by Europol, the Swedish Police Authority, and the Garda. Police also arrested 13 additional individuals on suspicion of public order offences unrelated to the main investigation.