Crewe religious group arrests widen modern slavery probe

A continuing Cheshire Police investigation into the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe expanded with two more arrests on July 20: a 53-year-old Mexican woman and a 43-year-old British man were detained on human trafficking, child neglect, and related charges, while a 43-year-old American woman rearrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice. All three have since been released on bail, and a Stalking and Trafficking Risk Order has been sought against the Mexican suspect with a Chester Magistrates' Court hearing set for July 23. The arrests are part of a broader inquiry that began in March 2026 into alleged sexual offences, forced marriage, and modern slavery associated with group members, with concerns raised about the welfare of children at Webb House in Crewe. Investigators stress that the probe targets individuals and actions rather than the religion itself, and they say there is no indicated risk to the wider community. Twelve other suspects remain on conditional bail as the operation continues to scrutinize the group’s activities and the welfare of its members.