Nine people have been arrested in Crewe following allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery linked to members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol), a sect from which mainstream Muslim groups have long distanced themselves. More than 500 officers took part in coordinated raids as part of an investigation launched after reports of abuse dating back to 2023, involving one woman who was a member at the time. Police said that those arrested include men and women of various nationalities, while stressing the inquiry is focused on alleged crimes, not religious beliefs. The authorities are working with local services to safeguard residents, some of whom have been displaced. The police said there is no wider threat to the community, but patrols have increased as investigations continue.