Three women have been questioned by detectives investigating what police now describe as one of Britain’s most extensive sexual abuse scandals, suspected of having facilitated the alleged crimes of the late Harrods owner, Mohamed Al Fayed.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the three suspects, aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, were interviewed under caution in the last fortnight. They were questioned on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. No arrests have been made, but officers have identified several more individuals they intend to speak to in the coming months.
Scale of the alleged offending
The investigation has identified 154 women who may have been raped, sexually assaulted, trafficked, or subjected to sexual exploitation by Al Fayed, who died in August 2023 aged 94. The alleged crimes span nearly four decades, from 1977 to 2014, with police estimating around 400 offences may have been committed. Some of the youngest alleged victims were as young as 13.
“While Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution, we have always been determined to bring anyone who is suspected to have played a part in his offending to justice,” said Commander Angela Craggs of the Met. She stated that victims remain at the centre of the complex inquiry, which has broadened to include human trafficking following calls from survivors.
Under pressure from those representing victims, police said the allegations against the three suspects include the trafficking of women, at least some of whom were subsequently attacked by Al Fayed.
A long history of allegations and missed opportunities
The latest police action stands in stark contrast to the historical failure to hold Al Fayed to account during his lifetime. Before his death, 21 separate allegations were made to police, but he consistently evaded prosecution.
Allegations against the businessman date back to the late 1980s. They gained wider public attention in 1995 with a Vanity Fair article detailing claims of sexual abuse and racism, and again in 1997 when four women alleged on ITV that they had been groped and subjected to crude remarks, with promises of rewards for sex.
In 2008, Al Fayed denied an allegation of indecent assault by a 15-year-old Harrods employee. The following year, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute due to conflicting evidence. Similar CPS decisions followed in 2013 and 2015 regarding separate rape allegations. The CPS provided early investigative advice to the Met in 2018, 2021, and 2023, but full evidence was never received, and no further action was taken.
The Met’s own handling of previous allegations is now under scrutiny. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is directing an investigation into the force’s actions, stemming from two complaints made in 2008, to ensure thoroughness and facilitate information sharing with the ongoing criminal inquiry.
International dimension and victim accounts
The scandal has also crossed international borders. French authorities have opened an investigation into sex trafficking linked to Al Fayed, following evidence of possible aggravated human trafficking involving multiple victims.
One survivor, Pelham Spong, has been instrumental in pushing for the French inquiry. She has described experiences of being flown between Al Fayed’s properties and subjected to invasive medical examinations and sexual assault, accounts which have helped shape the understanding of the alleged trafficking operation.
In the current UK investigation, officers have examined more than 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim and impact statements, and retrieved significant archival material. “Over the past 18 months, officers have taken detailed accounts from victims and witnesses to build a comprehensive picture of the alleged offending,” the Met said.
Redress scheme and ongoing appeals
A Harrods Redress Scheme was established to compensate survivors of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed. The scheme, which closes on 31 March 2026, has so far received 180 claims.
It offers eligible applicants general damages of up to £200,000, work impact payments of up to £150,000, and compensation for “wrongful testing” and treatment costs. Harrods has apologised for the abuse suffered and offers eligible applicants a meeting with a senior representative for a personal apology. Claims can be based on documentary evidence without requiring in-person testimonies. The scheme has also been expanded to include survivors who were employed by Al Fayed’s private airline company, Fayair (Jersey) Co Ltd, before May 2010.
The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for information. Commander Craggs encouraged anyone with information, whether directly affected or with concerns about others involved, to come forward. Information can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
