Police Descend on Heavily Guarded Former Orphanage in Crewe, Cheshire, as Officers Arrest Several AROPL Members Amid Explosive Allegations of Slavery and Forced Marriage

A major police operation unfolded early Wednesday morning in Crewe as hundreds of officers moved in on a heavily guarded former orphanage linked to a religious group known as the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).

Around 500 officers from Cheshire Police and supporting forces were deployed to Webb House and several associated addresses.

The dramatic raid, which began shortly before 9am, saw vanloads of officers entering the Grade II-listed property as investigations into extremely serious allegations got underway.

Several individuals of different nationalities were arrested during the coordinated action.

At the same time, authorities confirmed that more than 50 children living and being home-schooled at the location were immediately placed under the care of partner safeguarding agencies.

What Police Say They Are Investigating

Authorities have stressed that the operation is not about religion itself, but about specific criminal allegations tied to individuals within the group.

The investigation focuses on claims involving rape, modern slavery, and forced marriage.

According to police, these allegations relate to one female victim and incidents said to have occurred in 2023, during her time connected to the organisation.

Specialist officers are currently engaged in interviews with potential victims, while forensic searches continue across the property and related sites.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley described the operation as the result of a “detailed and robust investigation,” adding that officers remain committed to supporting victims and pursuing justice.

Life Inside Webb House and Concerns Raised by Former Members

Webb House, the group’s UK base since 2021, is not just any residential building.

The historic site was once an orphanage for railway workers’ children and later served as NHS mental health offices and British Rail facilities before being converted into a communal religious residence.

Reports from former members have painted a troubling picture of life inside.

Some individuals previously told investigators and media outlets that followers were encouraged to sever ties with the outside world, donate large sums of money, and even sell personal belongings to support the organisation.

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One account described a woman handing over all wedding gift money, while another former member claimed to have contributed around £33,000.

It is also understood that roughly 150 followers, including families, currently reside in the £2 million property.

Background of the Group and Its Beliefs

AROPL describes itself as a peaceful religious movement rooted in Shia Islam, which is one of the major branches of Islam.

The group claims its teachings reflect broader Abrahamic traditions shared across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

It also presents itself as a faith-based movement promoting equality and human rights, while stating it has faced persecution in multiple countries.

Despite this, concerns have been raised externally about financial expectations placed on members and the level of control exerted within the community.

Response From the Group and Legal Position

Legal representatives for AROPL strongly reject allegations that members are required to give up salaries or sell property.

They also state that there is no formal requirement for financial surrender and insist the group follows lawful practices.

The organisation further says children living on-site are educated through home-schooling supervised by parents, with oversight and monitoring from local education authorities.

They also emphasise that the group encourages mainstream medical guidance, including NHS advice, and operates as a peaceful religious community.

Impact and Consequences

The scale of the raid and the nature of the allegations have sent shockwaves through both the local community and wider observers.

With dozens of children now under safeguarding care, authorities are prioritising welfare assessments alongside the ongoing criminal investigation.

The arrests and searches are likely to place significant scrutiny on the group’s operations, its financial practices, and its internal structure.

For residents in Crewe, the presence of such a large police deployment has also raised concerns about what was happening behind closed doors at the property.

What’s Next?

Investigators are expected to continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence collected during the raid.

The arrested suspects will likely face further questioning as police build their case.

Safeguarding teams will remain involved with the children and vulnerable individuals currently linked to the site, while authorities assess whether additional protections or interventions are needed.

Further updates are expected as forensic analysis and victim statements progress in the coming days and weeks.

Summary

A major police operation involving hundreds of officers has targeted a religious group operating from a former orphanage in Cheshire amid serious allegations including rape, forced marriage, and modern slavery.

Several arrests have been made, children safeguarded, and investigations are ongoing, while the group strongly denies wrongdoing.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Around 500 police officers raided Webb House in Crewe
• Religious group AROPL is under investigation for alleged rape, modern slavery, and forced marriage
• Allegations relate to one female victim from 2023
• Several suspects arrested; multiple nationalities involved
• More than 50 home-schooled children placed under safeguarding care
• Around 150 followers reportedly live in the £2 million property
• Former members allege financial pressure and isolation practices
• Group denies wrongdoing and rejects claims of forced financial contributions
• Police stress investigation is not about religion itself but alleged criminal acts
• Investigations and interviews with potential victims are ongoing