Pressure Mounts on Police Scotland Over Al-Fayed Investigation
Police Scotland is facing growing pressure to reopen its investigation into the late Harrods owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed, following the emergence of more than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
The force had previously closed a probe into a non-recent sexual assault allegation, specifically concerning a rape reported to have occurred at Al-Fayed's estate in the Scottish Highlands. A spokesperson confirmed the investigation could be revived if new evidence emerged.
Westminster Group Demands Action
The push for a renewed Scottish inquiry comes after a Westminster all-party parliamentary group (APPG) was established this week. This group aims to monitor a separate Metropolitan Police investigation into Al-Fayed and advocate for a comprehensive inquiry into the entire scandal.
In a significant move, the APPG's co-chairs—Wendy Chamberlain, deputy leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and a former police officer, and Labour MP Dave Robertson—have written a formal letter to Scotland's Chief Constable, Jo Farrell.
The letter urges a reassessment of the closed case, directly referencing the ongoing Met probe and an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into how earlier complaints were handled.
Vast Scale of Allegations Cited
The parliamentarians' letter underscores the immense scale of the accusations. It states there are more than 400 known survivors, with more women continuing to come forward.
Given that the earliest known allegation dates back to 1977, and accounts include reports of trafficking and horrendous sexual abuse across international borders, the MPs argue it is entirely likely that crimes were committed within Scotland.
Al-Fayed, the former proprietor of the iconic Harrods department store, died in 2023 at the age of 94.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland has acknowledged the receipt of the letter, stating, "We have received the letter and will respond in due course."
