Home / Crime and Justice / Crewe Raids: 500 Officers Probe Modern Slavery Claims
Crewe Raids: 500 Officers Probe Modern Slavery Claims
30 Apr
Summary
- Over 500 officers involved in raids on a Crewe religious group.
- Ten individuals arrested for modern slavery and sexual offense allegations.
- Allegations reportedly date back to 2023, involving one woman member.
An extensive police operation involving over 500 officers has targeted a religious group in Crewe, Cheshire, over serious allegations including modern slavery, sexual offenses, and forced marriage. Three coordinated raids were conducted on properties owned by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol) group.
Ten individuals, aged between 30 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of various offenses. These include human trafficking, sexual assault, forced marriage, and rape, with arrestees holding nationalities from Mexico, Britain, Italy, USA, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Egypt.
The investigation was prompted by allegations brought forward last month, reportedly concerning events from 2023 and involving a single female member at the time. Safeguarding measures have been implemented for the approximately 150 current members of the group in Crewe.
Arpol, which claims roots in Shia Islam, has been noted by mainstream Muslim groups as having beliefs rejected by Shiism. Police also arrested an additional 13 individuals on unrelated public order offenses during the operation.
