All 10 suspects have been questioned
Police have issued a major investigation update after 10 members of a religious group were arrested for a string of serious offences in Cheshire. More than 500 officers were involved in raids in Crewe on Wednesday (April 29) following an investigation into members of a religious group, known as the the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.
Cheshire Police says that in March it was made aware of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023. All offences involved one victim, a woman who was a member of the group at the time.
Seven men and three women were arrested following raids at Webb House and two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue. A 35-year-old British man, a 35-year-old Egyptian man, a 39-year-old Swedish woman, a 43-year-old American woman and a 44-year-old Italian woman were all arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault.
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A 42-year-old American man was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences, sexual assault and forced marriage offences, while a 35-year-old Spanish man was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage offences. A 30-year-old Mexican man was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences.
A 42-year-old American man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, while a 44-year-old German man was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences. In an update issued this morning (Friday), Cheshire Police confirmed all 10 suspects had been released on bail pending further enquiries, following police questioning.
Cheshire Police says a number of conditions have been put in place as part of their bail conditions. In addition, officers have applied for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders against five of the suspects.
According to police, these civil orders will provide additional restrictions that will enable officers to manage the 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 later today.
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.” Separately, Cheshire Police charged 25 people with public order offences which are alleged to have taken place during the raids on Wednesday, with the suspects named and due to appear in court at a later date.






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