Three women have been formally questioned by police in connection with allegations of human trafficking and facilitating rape as part of the ongoing investigation into the late former Harrods owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the suspects, aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, were interviewed under caution between February 25 and March 5, 2026, though no arrests have been made at this stage.
Scale of Allegations Against Al Fayed
According to the Met, a total of 154 individuals have now come forward to report allegations involving rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking linked to Al Fayed. This marks a significant increase in the number of accusers since the investigation began. The force has been gathering accounts from victims and witnesses over the past 18 months, with information from these interviews leading to the inclusion of human trafficking allegations in the probe.
Police Statement and Investigation Details
Commander Angela Craggs of the Metropolitan Police emphasized that victims remain central to this complex and far-reaching investigation. She stated, "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." The three suspects are being investigated on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94, has been accused of more than 400 sexual misconduct crimes spanning decades from 1977 to 2014. The Met is focusing on individuals who may have enabled these alleged offences. Commander Craggs urged anyone with information to come forward, highlighting anonymous reporting options through Crimestoppers.
Legal Response and Survivor Concerns
In response to the developments, lawyers representing some of Al Fayed's accusers have welcomed the Met's decision to widen the investigation to include trafficking allegations. Emma Jones, a partner at Leigh Day law firm, which represents multiple survivors, noted in a statement, "We welcome the Met's decision to widen its investigation to include trafficking, particularly following the letter we sent this week on behalf of survivors urging this step."
However, Jones expressed concern that only three suspects have been interviewed so far, and all are female. She added, "What is surprising to us, having considered the accounts of our clients and the details that are already in the public domain, is that all of the suspects are female. We hope that this is very much the tip of the iceberg in relation to individuals the Met have on its radar."
The Met has committed to providing further updates when possible, ensuring that such disclosures do not jeopardize criminal or other proceedings. This case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the allegations surrounding one of Britain's most prominent former businessmen.
