British authorities launched one of the largest coordinated operations in recent memory Wednesday as more than 500 police officers raided facilities tied to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light sect in Crewe, England, leading to multiple arrests tied to allegations of forced marriage, human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
According to CBS News, six men and three women were taken into custody during the operation after police executed warrants at three separate addresses linked to the group, including its headquarters in Cheshire.
JUST IN: Members of an Islamic sect have been arrested in the UK for slavery and forced marriages.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 29, 2026
Over 500 police officers have raided the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, England.
Police say members were arrested for human trafficking, s*xual assault, r*pe, forced… pic.twitter.com/4xPRckcYW9
Authorities said the investigation began after a former female member came forward in March with allegations involving “serious sexual offenses, forced marriage and modern slavery” that allegedly occurred in 2023.
Police said the arrests involve allegations connected to:
- Human trafficking
- Sexual assault
- Forced marriage
- Modern slavery
“Today’s operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation,” Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of the Cheshire Constabulary said. “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.”
Lawyers representing the sect denied wrongdoing, telling The Guardian that “any wrongdoing is vehemently denied.”
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, also known as AROPL, is a fringe sect affiliated with Shia Islam that has been granted charitable status in the United Kingdom. The organization is led by Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, an Egyptian-American figure who claims divine appointment connected to Islamic prophecy.
According to reporting from The Guardian, roughly 150 people live together inside the group’s gated Crewe compound, including 56 children who are reportedly home-schooled.
The movement has attracted attention for blending Islamic messianic teachings with conspiracy theories, UFO beliefs and supernatural claims.
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Previous reporting by Charisma highlighted a rare remote interview conducted by Christian researcher L.A. Marzulli with Hashem, where the sect leader openly discussed his controversial doctrines.
During the interview, Hashem denied claiming to literally be Jesus Christ but described himself as “a messenger from Jesus Christ.” He also claimed the Holy Spirit currently operates through him as a divinely appointed caliph.
Hashem additionally told Marzulli that UFOs may involve “demons, angels, spirits or physical beings in craft from other worlds,” while affirming belief that Nephilim activity continues in the modern era.
In another striking claim, Hashem rejected the biblical account of Christ’s resurrection, asserting that Jesus’ spirit escaped before the crucifixion while another being died in His place.
Marzulli later said the interview was intended to allow viewers to hear the sect’s teachings directly and better recognize spiritual deception and end-times religious movements emerging on the world stage.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
