Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said the operation was the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of the group. Officers were made aware of the allegations in March, according to Cheshire Police. The reported offences took place in 2023 and involved one woman who was a member of the group at the time, investigating officers said.
Following the investigation, officers conducted warrants at three properties on 29 April, including Webb House, a former orphanage where around 150 members of the community live, as well as addresses on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue. 50am. Cheshire Police say a total of nine people were arrested in the initial operation, though some reports indicate seven men and three women were held.
Those arrested included a 30-year-old Mexican man on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences; a 44-year-old Italian woman on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault; a 42-year-old American man on suspicion of sexual assault; and a 35-year-old Egyptian man on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault. All have since been released on conditional bail. On 7 May, Sajid Khokhar was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences, becoming the 11th suspect held in the investigation.
Chester Magistrates' Court approved an interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order against Khokhar, which Cheshire Police said will ensure there is no risk to the public and other members of the group. Under the order, Khokhar is banned from entering Crewe, having unsupervised contact with children under 18 without parental consent and social services approval, travelling into or out of the UK with anyone except his biological children, and possessing identity documents other than his own. He must not stay at any UK address for more than 24 hours without reporting his whereabouts to police, and must surrender his passport and other travel documents within 24 hours.
Ch Supt Wrigley welcomed the granting of the order and said he hopes it provides reassurance to the local community. He reiterated that the investigation is not into the religion but solely focuses on the serious allegations reported. Officers are working closely with the local authority to support residents from the property, and appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
The case has been adjourned and Khokhar is due in court again on 11 September. The specific evidence leading to Khokhar's arrest and the current status of the victim have not been disclosed.