UK police charge 25 more people in probe linked to religious group

LONDON: Police in Cheshire said on Thursday that 25 more people had been arrested and charged with public order offences after warrants were carried out in Crewe a day earlier as part of a broader investigation into alleged serious crimes at the headquarters of a controversial religious group.

The operation involved about 500 officers across several locations in the Cheshire town on Wednesday. Police had initially announced nine arrests in connection with allegations including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, forced marriage and modern slavery.

In a further update on Thursday, the force said another 25 people had now been charged with public order offences. According to police, seven of those charged are British nationals. The others include two Americans, six people from European countries, and nationals of Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Tobago, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Morocco.

The action focused on properties linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), whose headquarters are based in a large former orphanage in Crewe. Roads near the site were closed as police convoys entered the gated premises early on Wednesday, followed by extensive searches.

Police said the investigation began in March after a woman who is now living in the Republic of Ireland reported that she had been raped and sexually abused at the group’s headquarters in 2023 while she was a member.

Police say inquiry is focused on individuals

Cheshire Police said the case concerns specific suspects and is not an investigation into the religious organisation itself. Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said: “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.”

The nine people first taken into custody include men and women of different nationalities. Police said they remain under investigation over the more serious allegations.

AROPL, which moved its headquarters to the United Kingdom in 2021, describes itself as a peaceful movement rooted in an Islamic sect and says it promotes equality and human rights. The group has, however, come under scrutiny in a number of countries over its practices and internal structure.

About 150 followers are believed to be living at the Crewe site, including dozens of children. Police said safeguarding arrangements were being put in place in coordination with local authorities.

The group has previously rejected allegations of wrongdoing. Responding to the latest developments, its lawyers said any accusations of criminal conduct were “vehemently denied.”

Earlier scrutiny over visas

Dawn reported that The Guardian had previously said the group was also under investigation in the UK by the Home Office over its use of skilled worker visas. That inquiry concerned visas issued to AROPL Studios, a company established in 2021 to produce social media and YouTube content about the sect’s teachings.

The group said it was not involved in illegal immigration practices. Through its lawyers, it said the immigration status of all members and workers was lawful.