Nine people linked to a religious group have been arrested in Crewe, Cheshire, following allegations of rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery in a major police operation in Britain, according to the BBC.More than 500 officers carried out a coordinated early morning raid on three properties linked to a group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol). The organization, founded in the early 2000s by followers who emerged from Shia Islam, currently has an estimated 150 members based in the city.Cheshire Police said it was alerted to the allegations last month, with the claims reportedly dating back to 2023. The investigation focuses on a crime that involved a woman who was a member of the group at the time.A police spokesperson said the inquiry focused on individuals, adding that “it is not related to religion itself.”Those arrested include six men and three women of different nationalities, including American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish and British. They face a variety of charges including human trafficking, rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and modern slavery crimes.Among them, a 35-year-old Spanish man has been arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage, while a 30-year-old Mexican man is being held on suspicion of sexual and forced marriage crimes as well as human trafficking. Others include individuals suspected of modern slavery and sexual assault crimes.Separately, 13 more people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences, who police said were not linked to the main investigation.The raids took place shortly before 09:00 BST, with a heavy police presence reported in parts of Crewe. Emergency services were seen near the King George V playing fields, while roads around Victoria Avenue and near Queen’s Park were temporarily closed.Searches were carried out at several locations, including Webb House and properties in Nantwich Road. Police said they are working with the local authority to support residents and ensure safety measures.A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said, “Our priority is to ensure that those who have been displaced are safe and supported.”The operation was supported by Europol with assistance from authorities in Ireland and Sweden.