More than 500 British police officers stormed a religious compound in Crewe, England on Wednesday, arresting nine people on charges including rape, forced marriage, and modern slavery in a major operation targeting the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light headquarters.
Massive Police Operation Targets Compound
Officers from multiple police forces across northwest England descended on Webb House, a former orphanage now serving as headquarters for the religious sect known as AROPL. Police vehicles entered the gated property while authorities shut down nearby roads. Nine individuals—six men and three women—were taken into custody on suspicion of serious sexual offenses, human trafficking, forced marriage, and slavery violations. Another 13 people were arrested for unrelated public order offenses during the operation.
The suspects include American, Mexican, Spanish, Egyptian, Italian, and Swedish nationals, according to Cheshire Constabulary. Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley emphasized that investigators are pursuing criminal allegations against specific individuals, not targeting religious practices. The investigation began after a single female complainant reported alleged offenses from 2023 to authorities last month. Detectives executed court-issued search warrants at the headquarters and other Crewe locations following the arrests.
🚨Crewe’s Secret Army? Black-Clad ‘Soldiers of the Qaim’ Marching at £2M Orphanage HQ
Crewe, Cheshire: Men in black marching in formation like a private army at Webb House (old orphanage turned HQ).
They call themselves ‘Soldiers of the Qaim’ and their leader is Abdullah… pic.twitter.com/K7j0hjzEHf
— Skint Eastwood (@Skint_Eastwood1) March 19, 2026
Children Living at Compound Raise Concerns
Approximately 150 people live at Webb House, including roughly 56 children who receive homeschool instruction on the premises. Police confirmed they are coordinating safeguarding measures for residents, particularly minors. Authorities assured the public that no broader community risk exists and increased patrols to provide reassurance to local residents. Founded in 2018 by Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem, AROPL relocated its headquarters to Crewe in 2021. The organization blends elements of Shia Islam with other beliefs and has built a substantial online following through social media platforms including YouTube and TikTok.
What This Means
The scale of the operation—involving over 500 officers—signals the severity of the allegations and the complexity of the investigation. Wrigley stated that police treat all sexual assault reports seriously and remain committed to achieving justice for complainants. The case raises questions about oversight of religious communities operating residential compounds, particularly when children are involved. All nine suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities encouraged anyone with concerns or information to contact local officers.
