Has a cult come to town?
Summary
This episode investigates the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, a new religious movement led by Abdullah Heshem, who claims to be the Mahdi and successor to Jesus Christ. The report traces the group’s journey from Egypt to Sweden and finally to a Victorian orphanage in Crewe, England, where they established a community. It explores allegations of modern slavery, human trafficking, and sexual offenses that led to a major police raid and the arrest of 14 members. The story also highlights the disappearance of a former member’s wife, local community tensions, and the group’s growing online p…
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor: Choiceology and Odoo
The claim: A man in Crewe says he is the Mahdi
Meet the reporters and the group's headquarters
Legal disclaimer and background on new religious movements
Expert views on the group's structure and beliefs
Abdullah Heshem's early life and conspiracy films
The Mahdi in Shia Islam and the rise of Ahmad al-Hassan
Heshem in the Arab Spring and building a community in Egypt
Lisa's marriage to Heshem's brother and their divorce
Heshem claims to be the Mahdi; denial by Ahmad al-Hassan
Theology: The 7th Covenant and new religious laws
Persecution in Muslim-major countries and move to Europe
Life in Sweden: Neighbors, businesses, and police scrutiny
Sponsor: Charles Schwab
Lisa's disappearance in India and police investigations
Deportation from Sweden due to Brexit and move to UK
The 2026 police raid in Crewe and local protests
Online growth, regulatory scrutiny, and the search for Lisa
Conclusion and BBC subscription promotion
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