Nine members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light have been arrested following a major police raid at Webb House in Crewe on 29 April 2026, in connection with allegations of rape, sexual assault, modern slavery and forced marriage.

What Is the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light?

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a religious group that relocated to Crewe, Cheshire, in 2021, having previously been based in Sweden. The group purchased Webb House, a large former orphanage on Victoria Avenue in Crewe estimated to be worth approximately two million pounds, which became their international headquarters. From this base, the group has produced online content across platforms including TikTok and YouTube, recruited followers from around the world, and held group marches and public events.

The group attracted significant attention from journalists and community observers in recent years, including investigative reporting by media outlet 5Pillars which documented concerns about the organisation’s activities. Videos of group members conducting marching drills on the streets of Crewe went viral in early 2026, heightening local concern about the group’s presence in the area.

What Happened in the Crewe Raid?

At approximately 8.50am on Wednesday 29 April 2026, more than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces executed three simultaneous warrants in Crewe. The warrants were carried out at Webb House on Victoria Avenue, and at residential properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue. The operation was supported by Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and An Garda Siochana, reflecting the international nature of both the group and the investigation.

The scale of the operation was substantial: over 500 officers were deployed, making it one of the largest single police operations in Cheshire Constabulary history. Nine members of the group were arrested on suspicion of serious criminal offences, while a further 13 people were arrested on separate public order offences which Cheshire Police confirmed do not relate to the core investigation.

Who Was Arrested?

The nine people arrested in connection with the main investigation represent a range of nationalities, reflecting the international membership of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. Those arrested include: a 35-year-old Spanish man on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage; a 30-year-old Mexican man on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage; a 44-year-old Italian woman on suspicion of modern slavery and sexual assault; a 39-year-old Swedish woman on suspicion of modern slavery and sexual assault; a 35-year-old Egyptian man on suspicion of modern slavery and sexual assault; a 43-year-old American woman on suspicion of modern slavery and sexual assault; two 42-year-old American men on suspicion of sexual assault and modern slavery offences; and a further 30-year-old Mexican man on suspicion of modern slavery and sexual assault.

None of the arrested individuals had been named publicly by police at the time of the raid. All nine remain innocent in the eyes of the law unless and until convicted by a court.

What Are the Allegations?

In March 2026, Cheshire Police were made aware of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023. All of the offences involved one victim, a woman who was a member of the group at the time the alleged offences occurred. Detectives conducted a detailed investigation before seeking and executing the warrants on 29 April 2026.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary stated: “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.” He emphasised that the inquiry “is not an investigation into the religion, this is an investigation into the serious allegations which have been reported to us.”

Following the arrests, detectives began a thorough search of the premises. Officers worked closely with the local authority to support residents from the properties, with appropriate safeguarding measures put in place for members of the group.

What Happens Next?

Following their arrests, the nine individuals will be interviewed by detectives and the evidence gathered will be reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service, which will decide whether to bring formal charges. If charges are brought, given the severity of the alleged offences, cases would be heard at Crown Court. Rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in England and Wales; modern slavery offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 also carry a maximum of life imprisonment; and forced marriage carries a maximum of seven years in custody.

For those with family members or loved ones held on remand or in custody, our guides explain how to send money to a prisoner in the UK and how to book a prison visit. Those wishing to understand potential future release processes can also read about the UK parole board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light arrested?

Nine members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light were arrested by Cheshire Police on 29 April 2026 on suspicion of serious offences including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, forced marriage and modern slavery. The alleged offences involved one victim and are reported to have occurred in 2023.

What is Webb House in Crewe?

Webb House is a large former orphanage on Victoria Avenue in Crewe, Cheshire. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light purchased it and converted it into the group’s international headquarters after relocating from Sweden to England in 2021. The property is estimated to be worth approximately two million pounds.

How many police were involved in the Crewe raid?

More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces took part in the operation on 29 April 2026. The investigation was also supported by Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and An Garda Siochana, reflecting the international scope of both the group and the inquiry.

Are the people arrested guilty of the charges?

No. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a court of law. At the time of publication, those arrested had not been charged with any offence. The Crown Prosecution Service will review the evidence gathered and decide whether to bring formal charges against any of the arrested individuals.

What sentences could those convicted face if found guilty?

If convicted, those facing rape charges could receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under English law. Modern slavery offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 also carry a maximum of life imprisonment. Forced marriage offences carry up to seven years in custody. The actual sentence in any case would depend on the specific charges, evidence and circumstances of the offences as assessed by the court.