Al Fayed Abuse Review by Police Watchdog Underway
The police watchdog has launched an Al Fayed abuse review to examine how the Metropolitan Police handled allegations of sexual abuse against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is reviewing cases the Met Police investigated in 2008 and 2013, following new allegations aired in the BBC documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods.
Since the documentary’s release, over 70 women have contacted the BBC with reports of abuse, including harassment and assault. Some have raised concerns about the quality of the police response and the handling of case details.
Rising Allegations Lead to Al Fayed Abuse Review
The Al Fayed abuse review by the IOPC is part of a broader investigation by the Met Police, which has received two formal complaints about previous inquiries. These complaints include concerns over the response and the public disclosure of sensitive information.
The allegations span multiple locations associated with Al Fayed, including Harrods, Fulham FC, and the Ritz Hotel in Paris. To date, the Met Police has identified records from 21 women who accused Al Fayed from 2005 until his death in 2023, though he was never charged.
External Link: More on the Met Police review at BBC
Internal Link: Explore related abuse investigations at Kenkou Land
Expanding Focus of the Al Fayed Abuse Review
The Al Fayed abuse review intensified after reports revealed that only two cases were submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for formal advice. Since September, an additional 60 women have come forward to the Met, while 70 others have contacted the BBC directly.
New information also suggests that an allegation against Al Fayed was first made in 1995, indicating the Met Police was informed of possible misconduct a decade earlier than previously acknowledged.
Responses from Fulham FC and Harrods
Al Fayed’s alleged actions have led institutions like Fulham FC to reflect on their history, with former captain Ronnie Gibbons recounting unwanted advances by Al Fayed in 2000. Harrods, now under different ownership, expressed that it is “appalled” by the allegations and has launched an internal investigation. The store is currently settling over 290 compensation claims from victims.
As the Al Fayed abuse review continues, the IOPC will assess whether further action is needed regarding police conduct, while associated institutions respond to the allegations.
