Full Breakdown
UK Police Raid AROPL Headquarters Over Abuse Allegations
4/30/2026, 4:24:50 AM
Massive Dawn Raids Target AROPL Headquarters
On 29 April 2026, 500 officers from Cheshire Constabulary and neighboring forces raided three Crewe sites – Webb House, a former orphanage, and two nearby addresses. Nine individuals were arrested on suspicion of sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery.
Background and Leadership
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) was founded in 2018 by Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem, who claims messianic status and powers such as making the Moon vanish. The sect mixes Shia-Islamic elements with Illuminati and extraterrestrial conspiracy theories. After being expelled from Sweden, it relocated its headquarters to the UK in 2021. The Crewe compound houses about 150 followers, including 56 homeschooled children.
Arrests, Nationalities, and International Assistance
Cheshire Constabulary reports nine suspects (six men, three women) of American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Egyptian nationality, while a Hungarian source cites six arrests (four men, two women), creating a discrepancy. The investigation was supported by Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and Ireland’s Garda.
Official Statements from Authorities
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said the operation stemmed from a detailed investigation into sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, and stressed the probe targets alleged crimes, not the religion. The U.S. Embassy declined comment; AROPL did not respond.
Criticism and International Opposition
Muslim-majority states have banned AROPL in Malaysia and detained members in Egypt and Algeria. The sect claims European investigations amount to religious persecution.
On-the-Ground Impact: Children and Safeguarding
Police identified 56 homeschooled children at the Crewe site and set up welfare centres to protect them. Local authorities are arranging safeguarding measures, noting round-the-clock security at the headquarters.
Conflicting Reports & Information Gaps
Sources differ on the number of arrests – nine versus six – and on the precise nationalities involved. No public statement from the alleged victim has been released, limiting details of the alleged offenses to her complaint.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today’s operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of a religious group called Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe,” — Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, Cheshire Constabulary
- “While those arrested are members of the group, I want to make clear that this is not an investigation into the religion, this is an investigation into the serious allegations which have been reported to us.” — Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, Cheshire Constabulary
- “Our client has no comment other than to say that any wrongdoing is vehemently denied.” — Lawyers for AROPL, speaking to The Guardian
- “media machine” — phrase from Abdullah Hashem’s manifesto urging followers to build a media machine to propagate the faith
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigations and Child Welfare
The nine detainees remain in custody while safeguarding authorities continue to assess the welfare of the 56 children. Europol, the Irish Garda and other partners stay involved, and the Home Office’s separate probe into the group’s use of skilled-worker visas is ongoing.