10 people arrested in massive raids on religious sect in U.K.
Approximately 500 police officers conducted raids on three locations linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) in the U.K., resulting in the arrest of ten individuals on suspicion of modern slavery, forced marriage, and sexual offenses. The operation, centered on AROPL's headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire, followed allegations made by a former member regarding incidents from 2023. Authorities emphasized the investigation targets specific criminal allegations, not the religious group itself.
- ▪Ten people, including nationals from the U.S., Mexico, Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Egypt, were arrested during coordinated raids on AROPL facilities.
- ▪The investigation was prompted by allegations from a former member involving serious sexual offenses, forced marriage, and modern slavery dating back to 2023.
- ▪AROPL is a fringe religious movement led by Abdullah Hashem, who claims to be the Islamic Mahdi, the true pope, and the successor of Jesus Christ.
- ▪The group's headquarters in Crewe, a Grade II-listed building housing about 150 people including 56 children, has been under 24/7 security and is used for home-schooling.
- ▪AROPL moved its base to the U.K. in 2021 after losing residency permits in Sweden and has faced bans or legal action in countries including Malaysia, Egypt, and Algeria.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
World U.K. police arrest 10 in raids on religious sect over alleged modern slavery, forced marriage, sex offenses By Frank Andrews, Frank Andrews Journalist Frank Andrews is a CBS News journalist based in London. Read Full Bio Frank Andrews, Kamal Afzali Updated on: April 30, 2026 / 6:27 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google London — Some 500 British police officers conducted raids on facilities linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) group Wednesday morning, arresting ten people on suspicion of various offenses including modern slavery, forced marriage and sexual assault.Police from across the northwest of England executed warrants at three addresses, including AROPL's headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire, during the operation.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CBS News — World.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from CBS News — World
