Investigating claims of widespread sexual abuse against late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, London police find 111 possible victims spanning decades.
Investigating possible systematic sexual abuse claims involving former Harrods department store owner Mohamed Al Fayed, London’s Metropolitan Police have unearthed a convoluted network of almost four decades of possible enablers and victims.
The investigation, which has significantly grown since its inception, now includes over five people who may have enabled Al Fayed’s claimed serial sexual misbehavior between 1977 and 2014.
With 111 possible victims now found and legal counsel for more than 400 women actively involved in the process, the probe’s breadth has expanded tremendously.
Metropolitan Police Commander Steve Clayman underlined the double emphasis of the inquiry: it gives survivors a forum and helps to find people who could have been involved in Al Fayed’s claimed criminal activity.
“We are committed to uncovering the truth and supporting those who have endured hardship,” Clayman stated.
Once a BBC program featured testimony from a former Harrods staff member, the claims garnered significant public attention.
Despite turning in evidentiary files to prosecutors in 2008, 2009, and 2015, Al Fayed never faced any criminal prosecution.
Michael Ward, the current managing director of Harrods, has openly admitted the previous mistakes of the company.
“A toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion, and sexual misconduct” marked the Al Fayed workplace, Ward candidly said.
Given Al Fayed’s death in 2023 at the age of 94, the inquiry marks a momentous occasion in tackling previous institutional shortcomings and assigning responsibility even posthumously.
FAQ:
Q: Who was Mohamed Al Fayed?
Born in Egypt, Mohamed Al Fayed ran Harrods department store from the middle of the 1980s until 2010, selling it to Qatar's sovereign wealth fund.
Q2: How many potential victims are now known to exist?
With legal assistance for more than 400 women, 111 possible victims have come forward at this time.
Q3: Has there been any charge against Mohamed Al Fayed?
A: Despite numerous investigations and evidence presentations, Al Fayed never received official charges for any sexual abuse offenses.
Q4: Under what Metropolitan Police inquiry is this happening?
A: They are looking at possible instances of sexual assault and pinpointing those who could have covered up or helped Al Fayed's claimed misbehavior.
Q5: For what duration does the research cover?
A: The inquiry covers claims between 1977 and 2014.
Q6: Describe Harrods' present position.
The managing director of Harrods has apologized and admitted the poisonous working environment Al Fayed oversaw.
Q7: How may potential victims get involved?
Victim support groups allow victims to get help; they are urged to also call the Metropolitan Police.