Nine arrests made as part of sex offence investigation into members of religious group

Police raided three properties and made nine arrests as part of a probe into allegations of sex offences involving a religious group.

Officers were alerted to allegations of forced marriage and modern slavery in March and carried out a series of searches in Crewe, Cheshire, on Wednesday.

Cheshire Police said six men and three women of American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Egyptian nationalities are in custody.

The suspects are allegedly members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, which has a headquarters in the town.

All of the offences involved one victim, a woman, who was a member of the group at the time the offences occurred, police said.

More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces were involved in the operation, which took place at around 8.50am.

The Ahmadi religious community, linked to a branch of Islam, are based at a former orphanage called Webb House in Crewe, with around 150 people said to be living at the property.

Two other properties linked to suspects have also been raided.

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Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: "Today's operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of a religious group called Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe.

"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.

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

"Following the arrests we are working closely with our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group.

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

The arrests came after a woman - understood to have relocated to the Republic of Ireland - made allegations in March of rape and sexual abuse while part of the Ahmadi religion in 2023.

Police said the investigation has been supported by officers from Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and the Garda.

The Ahmadi religious group moved to Cheshire in 2021 from Sweden, buying and basing themselves at Webb House.

A number of welfare centres have been set up to look after the 56 children who were all home schooled and part of the local Ahmadi community.

(c) Sky News 2026: Nine arrests made as part of sex offence investigation into members of religious group