Cult Raid: Webb House in Crewe

0:00On May 1st, Webb House and crew England started as an orphanage back in 1912 for kids of railway workers who lost parents in accidents. Built on five acres with a clock tower, it's still standing strong as a grade two listed building. Fast forward over a century, and it's now the headquarters for the Amadi religion of peace and light, a group some call a cult, housing around one. 150 adults and kids in all black outfits. This week, Cheshire police launched a huge raid with over 500 officers from across the region, hitting three sites, including Webb House. It stemmed from one woman's claims in March of serious sexual offenses, modern slavery, and forced marriage after joining the group in 20. 23. 10 people got arrested, seven men and three women of various nationalities, including the leader Abdullah Hashem, then released on bail. Hashem's an American ex-comedian and filmmaker who calls himself the savior of mankind, successor to Jesus and Muhammad, even the true Pope.

1:00The group blends Shia Islam ideas with wild beliefs like intelligent giant rabbits on another planet, Putin as reincarnated Julius Caesar and COVID, as divine punishment. They've got massive online reach, nearly 100,000 TikTok followers and millions of video views. The group moved to the Old Orphanage in 2021 after Stinson, Egypt, Germany, and Sweden amid persecution claims and residency issues. Locals noticed the heavy security, drones, robot dogs, and chanting gatherings with some feeling uneasy about the secretive vibe, while others say they keep to themselves. They handed out hampers early on, but now host loud events to late. Police stressed the probe targets individuals, not the religion, with no risk to the community. The group says it's cooperating fully, aiming for peace and unity worldwide through its teachings and charity work.