The decisive moment came when officers raided three properties, including Webb House, resulting in the arrest of seven men and three women. All ten individuals were subsequently released on conditional bail, which restricts their return to Webb House.

Despite concluding searches at the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, Cheshire Police will maintain an ongoing presence in the area. This is intended to reassure the community while ensuring safety.

While the police have completed their searches, they emphasize that investigations are still active. Local residents may notice an increased police presence as officers continue to gather information related to these serious allegations.

Experts suggest that such investigations can have profound effects on communities. The presence of law enforcement can both deter further criminal activity and provide support for victims who may be hesitant to come forward.

The situation remains fluid, with no timeline shared regarding the next steps in the investigation. However, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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The police raided the AROPL headquarters following reports of severe allegations, including forced marriage. The alleged offences reportedly took place in 2023 and involved one victim, a woman who was a member of the group.

The operation mobilized about 500 officers from Cheshire Police. The AROPL headquarters is based out of a former orphanage known as Webb House, where approximately 150 people currently reside. Among them are 56 children, who are understood to be home-schooled.

The group moved its headquarters to the UK from Sweden in 2021. Since then, it has had an estimated 7,000 people interacting with its movement across England.

The investigation focuses on individual suspects rather than the religious group as a whole. Suspects include men and women from various nationalities including American, Mexican, British, German, and Spanish.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley emphasized that “This is not an investigation into the religion; this is an investigation into the serious allegations which have been reported to us.” He also stated that they treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to achieving justice.

In response to the arrests, Wrigley noted that they are working closely with local partners to provide safeguarding measures for residents at Webb House. AROPL’s lawyers have stated that any wrongdoing is vehemently denied by their client.

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Amanda Wixon, a 56-year-old resident of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on March 12, 2026, for keeping a woman captive for over 25 years. The victim, who was just 16 years old when she was first held, endured horrific conditions and was forced to work without pay.

The victim was discovered by police in March 2021 after a tip-off, leading to her rescue from what has been described as ‘Dickensian conditions.’ Reports indicate that she was subjected to physical abuse, including beatings and having bleach poured on her face, while her basic needs were neglected. She lived off scraps and was forced to wash secretly at night, highlighting the extent of her mistreatment.

During the sentencing, the judge noted the ‘Dickensian quality’ of the victim’s situation, emphasizing the severity of her ordeal. Wixon’s actions not only stripped the victim of her freedom but also resulted in her benefit money, totaling £100,000, being paid into Wixon’s account over the years.

Since her rescue, the victim, now 40 years old, has been receiving support from a foster family. She has expressed the profound impact of her captivity, stating, “For 25 years I lived in fear, control and abuse. I was treated as though my life, my freedom and my voice did not matter.” Her statements reflect the deep psychological scars left by her long-term abuse.

There are ongoing calls for social services to explain why the victim was not rescued earlier, given the alarming circumstances surrounding her captivity. A carer who has been supporting the victim remarked, “I think social services should be more alert and then maybe no one else will go through what she has been through.” This sentiment echoes a growing concern regarding the effectiveness of social services in identifying and intervening in cases of modern slavery.

The victim has reportedly been on three holidays since her rescue, a significant milestone in her journey towards recovery. However, the shadow of her past remains, with the victim acknowledging that nothing can give her back the 25 years she lost. Her story is a stark reminder of the realities of modern slavery, which affected 6,600 individuals in the UK in 2025 alone.

As the case unfolds, the community and advocates for victims of modern slavery continue to seek answers and justice. Sam Jones, a representative for victim advocacy, stated, “The fact remains that nothing was done by social services.” This highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

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