Three women have been interviewed under caution on suspicion of facilitating the alleged sexual abuse by late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, Scotland Yard has confirmed. The suspects, aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s, were questioned in the last fortnight over allegations including aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The Metropolitan Police said 154 women may have been raped or sexually assaulted by Fayed, or subjected to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, with offences spanning from 1977 to 2014. No arrests have been made, but detectives have identified several more suspects who will be questioned in the coming months.
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.”
Fayed, who died in 2023 aged 94, is alleged to have used his wealth and power to attack scores of women, with his youngest victim being 13. Before his death, 21 allegations were made to police but he evaded justice. Police have now examined more than 50,000 pages of evidence and retrieved significant material from previous reports.
A compensation scheme set up by Harrods has received 180 claims so far, with a deadline of 31 March. The Met urged anyone with information to contact them or Crimestoppers anonymously.
