(UNITED KINGDOM)
Leading Britain’s Conversation (LBC) [London, UK]
April 29, 2026
By Rebecca Henrys
Cheshire Police made multiple arrests after carrying out a raid on three properties in Crewe connected with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
Hundreds of police swoop on former orphanage in northern England as part of a major investigation into allegations of serious sexual abuse, modern slavery and forced marriage.
Cheshire Police made multiple arrests after carrying out a raid on three properties in Crewe connected with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, an Islamic religious group.
More than 500 policemen swooped on the cult based at the site of a former children’s orphanage at Webb House, Crewe, at 8:50am on Wednesday morning.
Six people have been arrested in connection with the raid, four men and two women of American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, and British nationalities.
Cheshire Police have stressed that they are not investigating the group, they are investigating the offences. All of the offences involve one victim who was a member of the group at the time of the alleged offences in 2023.
Detectives are now conducting a search of the premises.
The highly controversial group combines Islamic roots, unorthodox social attitudes, apocalyptic ideas and conspiracy beliefs in its practice.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Today’s operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of a religious group called Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe.
“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.
“We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice.
“Following the arrests we are working closely with our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group.
“I would like to reassure residents that there is no risk to the wider community, and patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to local residents. I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.”
The Ahmadi Religion has beliefs that are rooted in Shia Islam, its followers believe it is the one true universal religion and that its members are God’s chosen people.
It began in Iraq in the late 1990s but is now active in 40 countries, however, followers have been persecuted in Muslim-majority countries where their views are seen as blasphemous and they are rejected by the wider Muslim world.
Among other things, members of the sect believe in the existence of shapeshifting alien-human hybrids and creatures that look like Bigfoot and Yeti.
They also believe that George Washington was actually Adam Weishaupt, who is believed to be the founder of the Illuminati, and that the US government is controlled by the Illuminati.
What is the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light?
- The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, or AROPL, is a modern religious movement with roots in Shia Islam
- It began in Iraq in the late 1990s and is now active in around 40 countries
- Followers believe it is the one true universal religion and that they are God’s chosen people
- The group says 99 per cent of every religion is wrong, including Islam
Social attitudes
- Headscarves are not compulsory for women
- It has also publicly shown support for LGBTQI+ rights
- Its approach to alcohol is more relaxed than in mainstream Islam
- These more liberal positions on gender, sexuality and social behaviour are a key reason the group is controversial in some Muslim-majority countries
The movement’s more unusual beliefs
- Followers believe dreams can contain prophecies, warnings and commands from God
- The movement also believes in shapeshifting alien-human hybrids
- It also teaches that ape-like beings similar to Bigfoot and the Yeti exist, calling them the Haytan
- Members believe George Washington was actually Adam Weishaupt, the founding of the Illuminati
- They also believe the US government is controlled by the Illuminati
- The group says modern currency is a scam and will one day be replaced by a divine social order where everyone contributes what they can and receives what they need
- The group believes in forms of reincarnation, including the idea that some people are spiritual reincarnations of prophets
- It is creationist, teaching that Adam was the first human, although other races existed before humans
Where has it faced persecution?
- AROPL says its followers have been targeted because their beliefs are seen as heretical or blasphemous.
- In Algeria, 18 members were arrested in 2022, though charges were later dropped.
- In Iran, 15 followers were arrested in 2022 and reportedly pressured to renounce their faith.
- In Malaysia, eight members were arrested in 2023 linked to LGBTQI+ protests.
- In Turkey, 104 members were detained in 2023 while trying to seek EU asylum at the Turkish-Bulgarian border.
- In Sweden, members reported raids and inspections despite no illegal activity being found.
- In Azerbaijan, two followers were jailed in 2024 for missionary work in a public square.
- In Jordan, six members are on trial over charges including insulting religious feelings and inciting sectarian strife.