Man interviewed on suspicion of sex trafficking in Al Fayed investigation

The Metropolitan Police have revealed that one man in his 60s has been questioned under caution as part of their ongoing investigation into individuals potentially involved in enabling or facilitating criminal conduct by the late Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of the Harrods department store. This individual was questioned on suspicion of aiding and abetting serious offences, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Earlier this month, three women aged between their 40s and 60s were also interviewed on similar suspicions. Despite these developments, no arrests have been made as the inquiry continues. According to the Met, a total of 154 victims have come forward with allegations relating to sexual assault, rape, exploitation, and human trafficking associated with Al Fayed. Recently, the investigation’s remit widened to explicitly include suspected human trafficking activities.

Mohamed Al Fayed, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010, as well as other businesses such as the Ritz Paris hotel and Fulham Football Club at the time many of the alleged offences took place. The full scale of his alleged predatory behaviour became known following a BBC documentary and podcast released in September 2024. Commander Angela Craggs emphasized that the Metropolitan Police are committed to ensuring all those suspected of involvement in these crimes are brought to justice, describing the investigation as both complex and expansive. She also encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

Representing some of the victims, Emma Jones of the law firm Leigh Day welcomed the recent police interview, suggesting more individuals are likely to be questioned as the probe continues. She described the trafficking network tied to Al Fayed as extensive and indicated that responsibility does not rest on just a few people. Survivors have insisted that a broader network enabled the exploitation, and it is expected that additional suspects will emerge as the case progresses.

In addition, about 30 survivors participated in a virtual meeting with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Survivors of Fayed and Harrods. During this session, they conversed with Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls. The campaign group Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors expressed their desire for accountability—not only for the businesses linked to Al Fayed but also for those who allowed or ignored the abuse. A meeting with the prime minister is anticipated in the coming weeks. In response, the Home Office stated that while operational decisions rest with the police, Minister Phillips remains committed to helping agencies collaborate effectively and ensuring that systemic issues raised by survivors are addressed

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