Metropolitan Police Question Three Suspects in Mohamed Al Fayed Sexual Abuse Investigation
The Metropolitan Police have conducted interviews under caution with three women suspected of facilitating one of Britain's most extensive sexual abuse scandals, involving the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. The suspects, aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, were questioned within the last fortnight as part of a far-reaching inquiry into allegations that span over four decades.
Escalating Scale of Alleged Offences
Scotland Yard has revealed that the number of victims in this case has now reached 154 women, who are feared to have suffered rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or human trafficking linked to Fayed. The investigation has broadened to include human trafficking offences, with police indicating that at least some of the trafficked women went on to be attacked by Al Fayed.
The three female suspects were questioned on suspicion of:
- Aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault
- Assisting the commission of sexual offences
- Human trafficking for sexual exploitation
No arrests have been made at this stage, but detectives have identified several more suspects who will be questioned in the coming months over allegations they may have facilitated or enabled the abuse.
Complex Investigation Spanning Decades
Mohamed Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at age 94, faces allegations that he used his wealth and power to attack scores of women between 1977 and 2014, with his youngest victim reportedly as young as 13. Police estimate that approximately 400 offences may have been committed during this period.
Commander Angela Craggs of the Metropolitan Police stated: "Victims remain at the centre of this investigation. Today's update marks an important step in a complex and far-reaching investigation. 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."
Police Response and Victim Support
The investigation comes as police face criticism for allegedly missing Fayed's offending while he was alive. Before his death, 21 allegations about Fayed were made to police, but he evaded justice. The force is now re-examining its approach and hunting for those who helped Fayed become one of Britain's most notorious sexual offenders.
Over the past 18 months, officers have taken detailed accounts from victims and witnesses, examined over 50,000 pages of evidence including victim and impact statements, and retrieved significant amounts of material from previous reports about Fayed stored in police archives.
A compensation scheme for victims has been established by Harrods and closes on 31 March. The owners of the upmarket London store have reported receiving 180 claims so far.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Metropolitan Police have emphasized that their investigation continues to expand through partnership work across the United Kingdom and overseas. Commander Craggs added: "We encourage anyone with information, whether you were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed's actions or have concerns about others who may have been involved or committed offences, to contact us. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form."
The case represents one of the most significant sexual abuse investigations in recent British history, with police determined to pursue all those who may have enabled the alleged offences despite the principal suspect's death.
