A total of 111 women have come forward with accusations of abuse against Mohamed Al Fayed, with the youngest victim being just 13 years old. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating over five individuals who may have enabled Fayed’s offenses. The allegations of abuse range from sexual assault to rape and span a period of 37 years from 1977 to 2014.
In response to a renewed appeal for information, more than 150 people contacted the police after a BBC expose on the late businessman. The Complex Investigation Team (CIT) within the Met is looking into the roles of individuals associated with Fayed in facilitating his offenses. Additionally, the police are reviewing past investigations to identify any missed opportunities to prevent the abuse.
Despite at least 21 women coming forward with abuse allegations before Fayed’s death, he was never charged or tried due to the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision not to press charges. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is assessing complaints regarding the Met’s handling of investigations into Fayed. While he was not criminally charged, numerous women have filed legal claims against Harrods alleging abuse.
The Met acknowledges that there were shortcomings in the past investigations and the support provided to victims. Commander Stephen Clayman of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command emphasized the importance of giving survivors a voice and seeking justice for any individuals complicit in Fayed’s offenses. The investigation is aimed at understanding the extent of the abuse and holding accountable those who enabled it.
Dame Jasvinder Sanghera, appointed by Harrods as an independent advocate for Fayed’s victims, highlighted the widespread nature of the abuse. She compared the potential scale of the abuse to that of Jimmy Savile, who faced similar allegations after his death. Survivors have recounted instances of abuse in various settings beyond Harrods, indicating a pattern of exploitation.
The school for deaf children mentioned in the investigation denied that Fayed had access to their institution. However, survivors have pointed out that there were individuals complicit in Fayed’s abuse who turned a blind eye to his actions. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the abuse and bring justice to the survivors who have bravely come forward.
