The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into one serving and four former Metropolitan Police officers over their handling of sexual abuse allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed. The former Harrods owner, who died in 2023 aged 94, faces more than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to 1977.
The IOPC confirmed the probe, which began in January 2025, relates to complaints made by four individuals. In a statement, the watchdog said: “At this stage, five individuals – a serving Met officer and four former Met officers – have been advised that they are being investigated for potential misconduct.”
A Met Police spokesperson said the force is assisting the IOPC investigation. “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,” the statement added. The Met noted that its own investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled offending by Al Fayed remains active.
In March, a man in his 60s was interviewed under caution on suspicion of human trafficking and facilitating rape in connection with the Al Fayed inquiry. Separately, three women were questioned between 25 February and 5 March on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Police said no arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.
