Full Breakdown
Police Raids Target Arpol Members Over Sexual Offence Allegations in Cheshire
4/30/2026, 6:25:08 AM
Police Raids Target Arpol Members Over Sexual Offence Allegations
At about 08:50 BST, Cheshire Police raided three Crewe addresses, including Webb House. Nine people were arrested on suspicion of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery; a further 13 were detained for unrelated public-order offences.
Background: Arpol’s Origins and Religious Context
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol) was founded in the early 2000s by followers of Shia Islam, claiming Shiite roots. Mainstream Muslim groups have distanced themselves from Arpol; it is not the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which has a large UK presence.
Criticism & Opposition
Mainstream Muslim organisations have publicly distanced themselves from Arpol, stating its beliefs are not recognised within mainstream Shiism.
Timeline of the Investigation
Police were alerted to allegations in the month before the raids, with reports that the alleged offences date back to 2023. The operation culminated in the 08:50 BST raids.
Arrests, Demographics, and Scale
Cheshire Police estimate about 150 members at the Crewe base. Of the nine arrested, six were male and three female; nationalities include American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish and British. Over 500 officers took part.
Agencies and Operational Support
The raid involved Cheshire Police, Europol and officers from Ireland and Sweden, with Cheshire East Council assisting displaced residents.
Community Impact and Police Reassurance
Police vehicles and ambulances were seen at King George V playing fields; roads near Victoria Avenue were closed. Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said there was no risk to the wider community and urged anyone with concerns to contact officers.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent Wrigley said the raids stemmed from a “detailed and robust investigation” and stressed the probe targets alleged crimes, not the religion. He added police treat all sexual-assault reports seriously and aim for justice. Labour MP Connor Naismith acknowledged local anxiety, praised the police effort, and reported harassment of himself and his team while speaking to the media.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Allegations are said to date back to 2023, but details about victims or specific incidents have not been disclosed. Police emphasize the investigation does not target the religion itself, leaving the full scope of alleged offences unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today's operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation,” — Ch Supt Gareth Wrigley, Cheshire Police
- “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.” — Gareth Wrigley, Cheshire Police
- “We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice,” — Gareth Wrigley, Cheshire Police
- “This is a major operation police are dealing with to the best of their ability.” — Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich
What's Next
Police will maintain a continued and significant presence in the area for evidential searches and community reassurance, and continue to urge the public to provide any information that may assist the investigation.
