Nine held in religious group modern slavery raid

Nine people have been arrested over allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery among members of a religious group in Cheshire.

More than 500 officers were involved in raids at three addresses, as part of an investigation of the group in Crewe called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol), started by followers of Shia Islam at the start of the century.

Cheshire Police said it was made aware last month of allegations 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 were said to have taken place.

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

The force added that while those arrested were members of the group, officers were not investigating the religion itself.

A further 13 people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences, which do not relate to the investigation.

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 were closed in the Victoria Avenue area, near to Queens Park.

Arpol owns several properties and the Cheshire force said they had also sent officers to Nantwich Road in the town as part of their investigation.

Detectives have searched 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 confirmed they were involved: "Our priority is to ensure that those people who have been displaced are safe and supported."

Those arrested were:

• a 30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences
• a 44-year-old Italian woman, arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
• a 42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault
• a 42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences, sexual assault and forced marriage offences
• a 35-year-old Spanish man arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage offences
• a 39-year-old Swedish woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
• a 35-year-old Egyptian man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
• a 43-year-old American woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
• a 30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault

"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."

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

Mainstream Muslim groups have long distanced themselves from the group.

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.

Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said he understood the raids would be worrying for nearby residents.

"I have asked that Cheshire Police will conduct their investigations thoroughly and promptly to ensure that justice is done and that calm is restored to our community," he added.

"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."

There would be a "continued and significant policing presence in the area", Wrigley added.

"That is primarily for searches of an evidential nature but also to provide reassurance to the local community."

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

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