A major police operation in Crewe, England, has led to multiple arrests at the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), a controversial group widely rejected by mainstream Muslim communities. Around 500 officers carried out coordinated raids on several properties, including a former orphanage used as the group’s base.
The operation followed an investigation into allegations including rape, sexual assault, forced marriage, and modern slavery, linked to claims made by a former member. The alleged offences date back to 2023.
Between nine and ten people were arrested, according to reports, with suspects from multiple nationalities. Others were detained for unrelated public order offences.
Beyond the criminal investigation, the group has faced longstanding criticism over its religious claims. Critics, including some Sunni Muslim scholars, have dismissed its leadership’s assertions—particularly claims linked to the prophesied Mahdi—as illegitimate and misleading.
Police stressed that the investigation targets alleged criminal activity rather than religious belief. Safeguarding measures have also been put in place for children believed to be living at the compound. The investigation remains ongoing.
