A series of arrests have been made in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged offences within the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, a religious community based in Crewe, Cheshire. The investigation, which initially involved more than 500 officers conducting raids on April 29, focuses on allegations including sexual abuse, forced marriage, modern slavery, and child neglect.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, founded by followers of Shia Islam but identifying as a distinct religious group, is centered at Webb House, a former orphanage in Crewe where around 150 people are believed to reside. Authorities emphasize that the investigation targets individuals within the group and is not directed at the religion itself.

Following the initial arrests, two further suspects were detained on Monday after additional concerns about child welfare emerged. A 53-year-old Mexican woman was arrested in Middlewich on suspicion of human trafficking and child neglect. A 43-year-old British man was detained in the Wilmslow area on suspicion of child neglect and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Additionally, a 43-year-old American woman, previously arrested in April as part of the investigation, was rearrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

All three individuals have since been released on bail pending further inquiries. Authorities have also applied for a stalking and trafficking risk order against the Mexican woman, with a hearing scheduled at Chester magistrates’ court. Earlier phases of the investigation saw twelve other individuals arrested; they remain on conditional bail.

Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson of Cheshire Constabulary stressed that all suspects are members of the religious group and that none of the allegations involve persons outside the community. The force continues to investigate the claims thoroughly while maintaining that the inquiries are criminal in nature rather than religiously motivated.