Members of an Islamic religious sect were arrested on Wednesday, 29 April, in the United Kingdom over allegations involving sexual offences, forced marriages, and modern slavery.
According to The Telegraph, more than 500 police officers from multiple forces took part in a large-scale raid on the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) in Crewe, Cheshire, England. Four men and two women were arrested; reports identified them as holding British, American, Mexican, Spanish, and Italian nationalities.
The investigation reportedly began after a woman currently living in Ireland accused members of the group of rape and sexual abuse allegedly committed in 2023 while she was part of the organization. Police stated that all offences currently under investigation relate to a single alleged victim.
The group, based at Webb House—a former orphanage—is a Shia religious sect founded in 2018 by Egyptian American Abdullah Hashem. AROPL combines elements of Shia Islam with conspiracy theories involving the Illuminati and aliens allegedly controlling US presidents. Hashem has reportedly claimed he can make the Moon disappear and uses platforms such as YouTube and TikTok to attract followers.
British media reports indicate that around 150 followers currently live at the Crewe compound, including approximately 56 children, many of whom are reportedly home-schooled within the community. Local authorities stated that safeguarding measures are now being coordinated for the children residing at the site.
The group has also reportedly been under separate investigation by the UK Home Office concerning its use of skilled-worker visas connected to a media company producing online religious content and YouTube videos. The sect denies any wrongdoing and claims previous investigations in Europe amounted to religious persecution.
Authorities stressed that the investigation is not directed against Islam itself or religious belief in general, but rather concerns specific criminal allegations involving individuals associated with the group. Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley stated that police are conducting a ‘detailed and robust investigation’ into allegations of ‘serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery’.
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