Survivors of abuse by late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have lodged complaints with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding how the Metropolitan Police handled allegations against him. More than 400 claims of sexual misconduct, including rape and human trafficking, have been made against Al Fayed, dating between 1977 and 2014.
IOPC assesses three complaints
The IOPC is currently assessing complaints from three victims about the Met's handling of the case, received this week. The watchdog is already investigating one serving and four former Met officers for potential misconduct related to the case. This ongoing probe, led by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards under the IOPC's direction and control, involves other reports made by four victims.
An IOPC spokesperson said on Sunday: "We can confirm that we received complaints this week from three victim-survivors, which relate to the Met’s handling of allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed and his associates that were reported to the force between 2018 and 2024. We are currently assessing these complaints before deciding what further action we will be taking."
Met investigation: Operation Cornpoppy
The Metropolitan Police is investigating allegations made by at least 155 victims who contacted them directly and are examining individuals who may have facilitated or enabled Al Fayed's crimes. The probe, known as Operation Cornpoppy, launched 19 months ago and as of last week had interviewed only four people.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "We are assisting the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as it carries out an independent investigation into our handling of reports of sexual offending by Mohammed Al-Fayed. As part of this, the IOPC is investigating complaints against five officers. One serving and four former officers are being investigated for potential misconduct. The serving of notices does not mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow. We are aware that further complaints are now being assessed by the IOPC. We will support these as required. Our investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled offending by Mohamed Al Fayed remains active."
Prime Minister meets survivors
Earlier in June, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with around 200 survivors on an online video call as part of a push for justice and accountability. Justine, a pseudonym, later told the Press Association that she had wanted a commitment from Starmer about oversight of the Met investigation. She and others from the survivor-led collective No One Above are calling for the National Crime Agency (NCA) to set up a joint investigation team (JIT) to run parallel to the Met's work and provide oversight. They argue this would uncover the international scope of trafficking and add accountability and transparency amid concerns about the Met's conduct. However, the question about oversight, submitted in advance, "wasn't really asked," Justine said.
A Downing Street spokesperson said at the time: "The Prime Minister met survivors of Mohamed Fayed, paid tribute to their courage, and made clear he stands with them in their fight for justice. With hundreds coming forward, including from overseas, the meeting was held online to ensure all survivors could take part. We are clear that this is the beginning, not the end, of working with survivors to secure the justice they deserve."
