Nine arrested after allegations of modern slavery and forced marriage in religious group
Nine people have been arrested in Crewe, Cheshire, following a large-scale police operation investigating allegations of modern slavery, forced marriage, and serious sexual offences within the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol), a religious group with around 150 members. The raids, involving over 500 officers and supported by Europol and international law enforcement, targeted three locations linked to the group but are not directed at the religion itself. Police confirmed the investigation centers on allegations involving one woman dating back to 2023, with safeguarding measures now in place for displaced individuals.
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Nine held in religious group modern slavery raid10 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleRichard Price,West Midlands,Kaleigh Watterson & Chris Steers,in CreweandAleem Maqbool,Religion editorCheshire PoliceThere were 500 officers sent to Crewe on Tuesday morning, Cheshire Police saidNine 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 took part 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, but whose beliefs have been rejected by Shiism.Cheshire Police said it was made aware last month of allegations that…
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