Nine arrested in raids in UK over allegations of ‘modern slavery’ and rape.
A major police operation in the UK has led to the arrest of nine people linked to a religious group in Crewe, Cheshire, after allegations of rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery, according to the BBC.More than 500 officers carried out coordinated early morning raids on three properties linked to the group known as the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (ARBOL). The organization was founded in the early 2000s by followers departing from Shiite Islam, and currently has an estimated 150 members at its base in the city.Cheshire Police said they were alerted to the allegations last month, with the allegations said to date back to 2023.
The investigation is focusing on crimes involving a woman who was a member of the group at the time.A police spokesman said the investigation was focusing on individuals, adding that it was “not about religion itself.”Among the detainees are six men and three women of different nationalities, including American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish and British. They face a range of charges including human trafficking, rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery offences.
Among them, a 35-year-old Spanish man was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage, while a 30-year-old Mexican man was detained on suspicion of human trafficking along with sexual and forced marriage crimes. Others include individuals suspected of modern slavery and sexual assault.Separately, a further 13 people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences, which police said were unrelated to the main investigation.The raids took place shortly before 09:00 GMT, with a heavy police presence in parts of Crewe. Emergency services were seen near the King George V playing fields, while roads around Victoria Street and near Queen’s Park were temporarily closed.Searches were carried out at several locations, including Webb House and properties along Nantwich Road. The police said they are working with the local authority to support residents and ensure that protection measures are implemented.A Cheshire East Council spokesman said: “Our priority is to ensure these displaced people are safe and supported.”The operation was supported by Europol, with assistance from officers in Ireland and Sweden.
