UPDATE | Ten people bailed following serious allegations at a religious group in Crewe

Ten people who were arrested in relation to serious offences involving members of a religious group in Crewe have now been released on bail.

On Wednesday 29 April, more than 500 officers from Cheshire Police, with support of colleagues from neighbouring forces, conducted warrants at three addresses in Crewe following of reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery.

All of the offences are reported to have occurred in 2023 whilst the victim, a woman, was a member of a religious group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.

Following questioning, the seven men and three women have all now been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A number of conditions have been put in place as part of their bail conditions and, in addition, officers have also applied for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders against five of the suspects.

These civil orders will provide additional restrictions that will enable us to manage individuals and ensure there is no risk to the public and other members of the group. The orders are all set to be heard at Magistrates’ Court on Friday 1 May.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said:  

“Firstly, I’d like to thank local residents for their support and patience following the warrants, which resulted in some disruption in the local area.
“I would also like to reiterate that is not an investigation into the religion, our investigation solely focuses on the serious allegations which have been reported to us.
“Following the warrants, we are continuing to work closely our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group.
“Additional patrols in the local area will remain in place throughout the bank holiday weekend to provide reassure, and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.
“I’d also remind residents that this remains a live investigation which will take some time, and I would ask that people do not speculate while the case remains ongoing."

-----

UPDATE | Ten people arrested following serious allegations at a religious group in Crewe

30 April 2026

Officers investigating reports of several serious offences alleged to have involved members of a religious group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, have arrested ten people.

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 offences occurred.

Following a detailed investigation into the allegations, officers have today, Wednesday 29 April, conducted three warrants in Crewe, including Webb House, along with two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue, leading to the arrest of six men and three women.

More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces have been involved in the operation, which took place at around 8.50am on the 29th April 2026. 

Below is the updated list of arrests - 

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

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

Following the arrests, detectives are now conducting a search of the premises.

Officers are working closely with the local authority to support the residents from the property and appropriate safeguarding measures are in place. 

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.”

Anyone with any information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire police at Public Portal or call 101.

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