Forty new allegations against Al Fayed made to police

The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating forty new allegations against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, with claims ranging from sexual assault to rape made by 40 different individuals. These allegations span a period from 1979 to 2013 and follow the airing of a BBC documentary that featured testimonies from former employees of Harrods who accused the billionaire of sexual misconduct.

The police had previously encouraged anyone with unreported allegations to come forward, pledging to review historical complaints. Since the release of the documentary, an additional 65 women have reached out to the BBC, detailing incidents of abuse by Al Fayed, with claims dating as far back as 1977 and extending beyond the confines of Harrods.

Mohamed Al Fayed, who passed away at the age of 94 in 2023, acquired the iconic department store in 1985 and sold it in 2010. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the new allegations come on top of the 21 previously known complaints against Al Fayed before the BBC documentary aired.

While there is no possibility of prosecuting Al Fayed posthumously, the police are exploring whether any other individuals could face criminal charges related to these allegations. Commander Stephen Clayman stated, “Since the broadcast of the documentary and our recent appeal, detectives have received numerous pieces of information, predominantly concerning the activities of Mohamed Al Fayed but also related to others.”

The police continue to urge anyone who has been a victim of Al Fayed or who possesses information about those who may have facilitated his actions to come forward. A comprehensive review of prior allegations is in progress, which aims to ensure no new leads are overlooked based on the recent information that has emerged. This review will also involve collaboration with the Directorate of Professional Standards if necessary.

The documentary, titled Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods, presented testimony from over 20 former female employees of Harrods, who accused Al Fayed of serious sexual misconduct. The investigation revealed that during his ownership of Harrods, the department store not only failed to act on these allegations but may have also been complicit in covering them up.

In response to the allegations, the current owners of Harrods expressed their shock and dismay, stating they are “utterly appalled” by the revelations and acknowledging the failure to protect victims. The department store has initiated an independent review, which commenced in 2023, to investigate the allegations further.

Since the documentary aired, the BBC has reported that a total of 65 women have come forward to recount experiences of abuse by Al Fayed. These accounts suggest a pattern of predatory behavior, with many victims stating they were lured into employment under false pretenses only to be sexually exploited by Al Fayed, including instances at his mansion in Oxted.

Additionally, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has reached out to the Metropolitan Police to ascertain whether any complaints or conduct issues warrant referral for investigation. An IOPC spokesperson mentioned, “Following the TV documentary on Mohamed Al-Fayed, we contacted the Metropolitan Police Service to see whether it had received any related complaints or identified any conduct issues which would require a referral to the IOPC.”

As the police continue their internal review, the IOPC has yet to receive any referrals regarding the handling of these allegations by the Metropolitan Police.

The situation surrounding Al Fayed’s legacy and the new allegations has reignited discussions about accountability and the protection of victims within powerful institutions. The ongoing investigation highlights the importance of addressing historical abuses and ensuring that those affected feel safe to come forward. As this case develops, it could potentially reshape the narrative surrounding one of Britain’s most recognizable figures in retail history and highlight the necessity for systemic change in how allegations of abuse are handled within large organizations.