Three women have been interviewed under caution on suspicion of facilitating the alleged sexual abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, who is accused of attacking scores of women over four decades. The Metropolitan Police said the suspects, aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s, were questioned in the last fortnight on offences including aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Scotland Yard revealed that 154 women may have been raped or sexually assaulted by Fayed, or subjected to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, with the youngest victim aged 13. The alleged crimes span from 1977 to 2014, involving about 400 offences. Police have examined over 50,000 pages of evidence and retrieved material from previous reports.
Commander Angela Craggs said: “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.”
No arrests have been made, but detectives have identified several more suspects to be questioned in the coming months. The Met urged anyone with information to come forward. A compensation scheme set up by Harrods has received 180 claims and closes on 31 March.
