Met Police investigate accomplices of Mohamed Al Fayed's sexual abuse

In the United Kingdom, Scotland Yard has initiated a criminal investigation concerning Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, in light of new allegations regarding decades of sexual abuse. This investigation was prompted by a significant increase in reported cases, particularly following a BBC broadcast in September that aired a detailed inquiry into Fayed's behavior. By November 2024, 150 individuals had come forward with information, including 90 new victims. The overall number of complainants has surged to 111, encompassing serious accusations of rape, sexual assault, and trafficking spanning almost four decades, from 1977 to 2014. The police are also scrutinizing the roles of various individuals who may have facilitated or enabled Fayed's reprehensible actions. An internal review is being conducted to investigate the manner in which Scotland Yard handled past claims against him while he was alive. The review will explore potential corruption within the police force, including allegations that officers may have taken bribes to protect Fayed from prosecution. Scotland Yard had approached the Crown Prosecution Service multiple times regarding complaints against Fayed but failed to secure any charges. Moreover, victims have expressed concerns over the police's previous handling of their cases, leading to the voluntary referral of certain investigations to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This showcases the police's commitment to reassessing their past investigations amidst rising public scrutiny and a loss of trust. The investigation aims to give victims the support they need and ensure their voices are heard and validated. Commander Stephen Clayman emphasized the importance of addressing these serious allegations rigorously to restore public confidence in the police's capability to manage such sensitive issues in the future. As the inquiry progresses, police have already reviewed extensive documentation—around 50,000 pages—pointing to the serious nature of the allegations against Fayed and how systemic failures may have allowed his behavior to continue unchallenged for many years. The review will also aim to identify any culpable individuals who failed to protect the victims during Fayed's lifetime. The efforts of Scotland Yard to investigate these cases signal a significant commitment to justice for the victims and a pledge to prevent similar occurrences in the future.