Nine people have now been arrested by police investigating serious offences in a religious group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe.
Police were made aware last month of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023.
All of the offences involved one victim, a woman, who was a member of the group at the time the offences occurred.
Police carried out three warrants in Crewe, including Webb House, along with two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue, leading to the arrest of six men and three women.
More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces have been involved in the operation, which took place at around 8.50am today.
The arrests include:
30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences
44-year-old Italian woman, arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault
42-year-old American man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences, sexual assault and forced marriage offences
35-year-old Spanish man arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage offences
39-year-old Swedish woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
35-year-old Egyptian man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
43-year-old American woman arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
30-year-old Mexican man arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault
A further 13 people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences, which do not relate to the investigation.
Following the arrests, detectives are now conducting a search of the premises.
Officers are working closely with the local authority to support the residents from the property and appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “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.
“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.
“We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice.
“Following the arrests we are working closely with our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group.
“I would like to reassure residents that there is no risk to the wider community, and patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to local residents.
“I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.”
Anyone with any information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Police at Public Portal or call 101.
The investigation has been supported by officers from Europol, the Swedish Police Authority and the Garda.
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