Investigation expands as detectives probe individuals suspected of enabling al fayed’s alleged sexual misconduct spanning decades

Detectives are investigating more than five individuals who may have played a role in enabling the alleged sexual abuse carried out by Mohamed al Fayed, the former Harrods and Fulham FC owner. The fresh allegations, which include claims of rape and sexual assault, span nearly 40 years, with the youngest victim reportedly just 13 at the time of the alleged incidents. Al Fayed, who passed away in August 2024 at the age of 94, had been accused of sexual misconduct by numerous women, though he was never charged before his death.

The Metropolitan Police had previously been contacted by 21 women who detailed allegations of abuse between 2005 and 2023. However, since the new investigation was launched, over 150 people have reached out to the force, with 90 of them being identified as potential victims. This investigation now focuses on al Fayed’s associates, suspected of facilitating or covering up the abuse, though no arrests have been made yet.

Commander Stephen Clayman of the Metropolitan Police expressed the force’s commitment to justice, despite al Fayed’s passing. He acknowledged the courage of the victims who have come forward, many after years of silence, and emphasized that the investigation seeks to hold accountable those who may have been complicit in the abuse. “This investigation is about giving survivors a voice,” said Clayman, highlighting the need to pursue justice for the victims.

Harrods, which was owned by al Fayed from 1985 to 2010, has pledged full support for the ongoing investigation. A statement from the department store reiterated its commitment to assisting the Metropolitan Police and encouraging survivors to come forward. “We have an open, direct and ongoing line of communication with the Met police,” said the statement, underscoring Harrods’ desire to support the survivors in their pursuit of justice.

The police are also reviewing previous investigations into al Fayed, including 50,000 pages of evidence, to assess whether opportunities to pursue charges were missed or if misconduct occurred during earlier probes. In particular, the force acknowledged that its contact with some victims during previous investigations could have been improved. The Crown Prosecution Service had received two files in 2008 and 2015, but both cases were dropped due to insufficient evidence for a realistic conviction.

In addition to the current investigation, two women who had made complaints about investigations in 2008 and 2013 have had their cases referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog.

The public response to the investigation has been significant, with hundreds of women, many of whom had worked for al Fayed, coming forward after a BBC documentary on his alleged behaviour. Both Harrods and Fulham FC have distanced themselves from the former businessman, with the football club actively encouraging any potential victims to come forward to its safeguarding department or the police.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police have urged anyone with information or who believes they may have been affected by al Fayed’s actions to reach out.