Over 140 individuals lodge complaints against the former Harrods boss with UK authorities
The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom are currently investigating reports of sexual assault and rape by Mohamed Al-Fayed, the former owner of Harrods who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94. A total of 146 people have come forward with allegations, covering a period from 1977 to 2014.
The investigation, which began with 21 complainants, has significantly expanded since October 2024, with more than double the number of reports now under scrutiny. Alongside Al-Fayed's alleged offenses, the police are also investigating at least five other individuals who may have facilitated or enabled his abuses. This part of the inquiry is ongoing and involves collaboration with international agencies and foreign police forces.
As the investigation is live and ongoing, no definitive conclusion date has been set due to the large number of victims involved and the complexities of historical cases. The Met continues to support victims and encourages others with information to come forward. In light of Al-Fayed's death before justice could be served, the police have apologized to the victims for the distress caused.
Two complaints against the Metropolitan Police's handling of these allegations are currently under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The Met has also reformed its approach to investigating rape and serious sexual offenses to better centre victims in its processes.
Scotland Yard is reviewing how it handled previous investigations into Al-Fayed to identify any missed opportunities. Harrods, the upscale London department store, announced a compensation scheme for women who were employed at the store or connected to it and allege that they were abused by Al-Fayed in March. More than 100 alleged victims had applied for the redress scheme by July, according to Harrods.
The police updated the 146 victims who have come forward to report alleged crimes in a briefing on Monday. The allegations involve several young women employed at Harrods. Scotland Yard has opened a new probe into sexual assault claims, including into those who enabled the alleged offenses. The investigation was initiated after allegations of rape and sexual assault by Al-Fayed were aired by the BBC last September.
The ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police, initially sparked by allegations of sexual assault and rape by Mohamed Al-Fayed, has evolved to encompass various aspects of politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice. Besides Al-Fayed's alleged offenses, the police are scrutinizing at least five other individuals for potential involvement in facilitating or enabling such abuses.
