Police interview man in Mohamed Al Fayed sex abuse probe: Officers question man in his 60s on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and human trafficking
Police have interviewed a fourth suspect as part of an investigation into those who may have facilitated or enabled the exploitation of former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
The suspect, in his 60s, was interrogated under caution on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, aiding in the commission of sexual offenses and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Earlier this month three women in their 40s, 50s and 60s were questioned by detectives on suspicion of the same offences. Police reported that no arrests were made and the investigation continues.
Multiple women have accused Al Fayed, who owns Harrods, the Ritz Paris Hotel and Fulham FC, of rape and sexual assault between 1985 and 2020.
The Met opened a criminal investigation into the Egyptian businessman in November 2024, just a year after his death at the age of 94.
Police said 154 victims have since come forward and reported allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Met has previously said it was investigating people in the businessman’s circle who may have enabled him to commit more than 400 sexual assault crimes allegedly spanning decades between 1977 and 2014.
Before Al Fayed’s death, police were aware of allegations made by 21 women between 2005 and 2023, four of which involved rape, 16 of sexual assault and one of human trafficking.
Former Harrods chairman Mohamed Al Fayed (pictured) unveils the monument to his son Dodi and Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales, at Harrods in London
Image: Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, once owned by Mohamed Al Fayed
He was arrested in 2013 over an alleged rape, but the billionaire businessman was not charged with any crime.
Investigators twice referred files to the Crown Prosecution Service for charging decisions; One linked to three victims in 2008, the other linked to each other in 2015.
In three other incidents (in 2018, 2021 and 2023) early investigation advice was sought from the CPS, but the matter was not pursued further by the police.
Four suspects were interrogated under caution as part of the Met’s investigation into Al Fayed.
Metropolitan Police Commander Angela Craggs said: ‘Victims remain at the center of this investigation. Today’s update marks an important step in a complex and far-reaching investigation.
‘Whilst Al Fayed is no longer alive and faces prosecution, we remain determined to bring to justice anyone suspected of playing a role in his crimes.
We encourage anyone with information to contact us, whether you have been directly affected by the actions of Mohamed Al Fayed or have concerns about others who may have been involved in or may have committed crimes. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the online form.
‘We will share further updates when we are able to do so and only when it will not create a risk of jeopardizing criminal or other prosecution.’
