9 people arrested in massive raids on religious sect in U.K.

World U.K. police arrest 9 in raids on religious sect over alleged modern slavery, forced marriage, sex offenses By Frank Andrews, Frank Andrews Journalist Frank Andrews is a CBS News journalist based in London. Read Full Bio Frank Andrews, Kamal Afzali April 29, 2026 / 11:42 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google London — Some 500 British police officers conducted raids on facilities linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) group Wednesday morning, arresting nine people on suspicion of various offenses including modern slavery, forced marriage and sexual assault.Police from across the northwest of England executed warrants at three addresses, including AROPL's headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire, during the operation. Six men and three women were taken into custody, according to a statement from the Cheshire Police.The police said they learned in March of allegations made by a woman who was previously part of the group of serious sexual offenses, forced marriage and modern slavery that allegedly took place in 2023. All of the arrests pertained to the allegations made by that woman, the police said.Those arrested include two American men and one woman, two Mexican men, an Italian woman, a Spanish man, a Swedish woman and an Egyptian man, the police said.  Police attend the compound of the of Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light group on April 29, 2026, in Crewe, England, amid raids. Ryan Jenkinson/Getty "Today's operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation," said Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of the Cheshire Constabulary. "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."The U.S. Embassy in London did not respond to a CBS News request for comment about the Americans arrested in the raids.AROPL did not reply to a CBS News request for comment.  Lawyers rep...