Al Fayed, who was arrested in 2013 over a rape allegation but never charged, is also accused of using corrupt police officers to intimidate members of his staff. A 2024 report alleged that these officers helped him retaliate against a young woman who had rejected his advances…reports Asian Lite News
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced an investigation into the Metropolitan Police’s handling of allegations of sexual assault made against Mohamed Al Fayed, the late former owner of Harrods. The inquiry will focus on complaints from two victims and is part of a broader review of police responses to 21 allegations against Al Fayed, who died in 2023.
The complaints, dating back to 2008 and 2013, have been referred to the IOPC by the Met. They center on the quality of the police response to the allegations, with the 2013 complaint also alleging that details of the case were leaked to the press. The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards will conduct the investigation under the IOPC’s direction.
Steve Noonan, the IOPC’s Director of Operations, emphasized the importance of the investigation. “Our sympathies are with all the victim-survivors who reported allegations against Mr. Al Fayed. There is widespread public concern around this case, with a significant number of allegations reported over many years while Mr. Al Fayed was still alive. It’s important to identify any missed opportunities or failures by officers to properly investigate these reports made back in 2008,” he stated.
The Met’s review of allegations against Al Fayed is expected to expand as more victims come forward. In November 2024, the force revealed that Al Fayed may have raped and abused at least 111 women and girls over four decades. Following a BBC documentary aired in September, 90 additional women reported allegations, bringing the total number of alleged victims to over 400.
Al Fayed, who was arrested in 2013 over a rape allegation but never charged, is also accused of using corrupt police officers to intimidate members of his staff. A 2024 report alleged that these officers helped him retaliate against a young woman who had rejected his advances.
Harrods, the luxury department store previously owned by Al Fayed, has confirmed that more than 250 individuals are involved in a process to settle compensation claims related to his alleged predatory behavior.
The IOPC investigation aims to ensure accountability and transparency, with complainants being kept updated throughout the process.
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