A comprehensive review of the Metropolitan Police’s handling of sexual offence allegations against the late Mohamed Al Fayed has revealed significant details about the force’s investigative response between 2005 and 2023.
The revelations come amid growing public concern about how these cases were managed.
According to police records, the Met received 21 separate allegations against the former Harrods owner during this period. Of these, only two cases were fully developed into prosecution files and forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for charging decisions, with no charges ultimately being brought.
The force sought early investigative advice from the CPS on 10 allegations, which resulted in no further action. Seven additional cases were closed by police without CPS consultation, while two more were terminated following Al Fayed’s death due to the impossibility of prosecution.
In a significant development, recent media coverage and police appeals have prompted 60 additional individuals to come forward with their experiences. Commander Stephen Clayman stressed the importance of these new testimonies, stating, “I want to thank those who have put trust in us and come forward to share their experiences – this will have taken a huge amount of courage and bravery.”
Meanwhile, a BBC investigation has brought to light that a woman was investigated for allegedly aiding and abetting rape by Al Fayed, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The Met is now conducting a thorough review of all previous allegations while investigating new information. Commander Clayman confirmed that investigators are exploring whether there are “any allegations of criminality which can be pursued against others who may have had some involvement in any offending.”
Critics argue that the low number of cases referred for prosecution raises questions about the Met’s investigative approach. The force maintains that while criminal proceedings cannot be brought against the deceased Al Fayed, their priority remains supporting potential victim-survivors and ensuring their voices are heard.
The investigation continues as detectives work with criminal justice partners to build a more complete picture of the allegations and examine potential criminal conduct by other individuals connected to the cases.
