British police raided The Ahmadi religion of peace and light in Crewe on Wednesday with over 500 officers. A 39-year-old Swedish woman was arrested along with nine others, suspected of human trafficking and sexual abuse. Swedish police participated by providing intelligence.
Just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, more than 500 police officers raided The Ahmadi religion of peace and light in Crewe, Britain. Ten people were arrested, including a 39-year-old Swedish woman suspected of human trafficking and sexual abuse. The other detainees are from countries including Egypt, Mexico, Germany, Spain, and the USA.
The investigation began in March this year following reports of sexual crimes, forced marriages, and human trafficking committed in 2023 against a woman who was a member of the movement. Gareth Wrigley, police chief at Cheshire Police, stated: "Even though those arrested are members of the group, I want to be clear that this is not an investigation into the religion, but an investigation into the serious allegations reported to us."
The movement, described as a sect by police and media, previously resided in Sävsjön in Hällefors municipality, Sweden, from 2019. Swedish police, the municipality, and the Migration Court had issues with the group due to its aggressive demeanor, leading to 69 deportation decisions in 2022. Most members then moved to Crewe, where around 150 people now live, including over 50 children.
Swedish police from the Bergslagen region participated in the raid. Marie Forssten, head of the intelligence section, confirmed to P4 Örebro: "We have been on site" and provided information due to the movement's prior stay in Hällefors. Police previously suspected crimes like money laundering and human trafficking in Sweden but lacked evidence. Preliminary investigations may reopen with new information.
