British authorities deployed over 500 officers to raid the headquarters of a religious organization in Crewe, England, arresting nine individuals on allegations including sexual assault, forced marriage, and modern slavery. The operation targeted the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, a sect claiming approximately 150 residents including 56 homeschooled children.
Massive Police Operation Targets Religious Compound
Cheshire Constabulary coordinated with multiple police forces across northwest England for Wednesday’s raid on Webb House, a former orphanage serving as headquarters for the religious group. Authorities arrested six men and three women, all foreign nationals from the United States, Mexico, Spain, Egypt, Italy, and Sweden. The suspects face charges related to rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, forced marriage, and slavery offenses stemming from alleged incidents in 2023.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley emphasized that the investigation focuses on specific criminal allegations, not religious practices. Police cordoned off nearby roads and entered the gated property with court-issued warrants. An additional 13 individuals were arrested for unrelated public order offenses during the operation. The initial complaint came from a single female last month, triggering the extensive investigation.
🚨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
Religious Sect With Growing Online Following
Abdullah Hashem, an Egyptian-American, founded the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in 2018. The organization relocated its headquarters from the United States to Crewe in 2021, establishing operations at Webb House. The sect blends Shia Islamic elements with other religious beliefs and has cultivated a substantial presence on social media platforms including YouTube and TikTok. Approximately 150 followers live at the compound, raising concerns about the welfare of dozens of children educated on-site.
Safeguarding Measures for Remaining Residents
Authorities confirmed they are working with partner agencies to provide safeguarding measures for residents remaining at Webb House. Police assured the local community there is no broader public safety threat and increased patrols in the area. The nine arrested suspects remain in custody while detectives search multiple locations in Crewe under court authorization. Investigators are treating all allegations seriously and pursuing justice for the complainant while protecting vulnerable individuals at the property.
