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 their investigation into the individuals who may have facilitated or enabled the abuse by former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
The suspect, aged in his 60s, was questioned under caution on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Earlier this month, three women, aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s, were quizzed by detectives on suspicion of the same offences. Police said no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple women have accused Al Fayed, who owned Harrods, the Ritz Paris Hotel and Fulham FC, of rape and sexual assault between 1985 and 2020.
The Met launched a criminal probe into the Egyptian businessman in November 2024, just over a year after his death aged 94.
Police say 154 victims have since come forward and reported allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Met previously said it was investigating individuals surrounding the businessman who could have enabled him to carry out more than 400 sexual misconduct crimes, which are claimed to have spanned decades between 1977 and 2014.
Before Al Fayed’s death, police were already aware of allegations made by 21 women between 2005 and 2023, including four claims of rape, 16 sexual assaults and one related to trafficking.
Former Harrods chairman Mohamed Al Fayed (pictured) unveils a memorial to his son Dodi and Britain’s Diana Princess of Wales at Harrods in London
Pictured: Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, which Mohamed Al Fayed once owned
He was arrested in 2013 over a rape allegation, but the billionaire tycoon was not charged with any offence.
Investigators twice sent files for a charging decision to the Crown Prosecution Service – once in 2008 relating to three victims and again in 2015 linked to one other.
On another three occasions – in 2018, 2021 and 2023 – the CPS was asked for what is called early investigative advice, but the matters were not pursued further by police.
Four suspects have now been interviewed under caution as part of the Met’s investigation into Al Fayed.
Commander Angela Craggs of the Metropolitan Police said: ‘Victims remain at the centre of this investigation. Today’s update marks an important step in a complex and far reaching investigation.
‘While Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution, we have always been determined to bring anyone who is suspected to have played a part in his offending to justice.
‘We encourage anyone with information, whether you were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed actions or have concerns about others who may have been involved or committed offences, to contact us. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.
‘We will share further updates when we are able to do so and only when this will not risk jeopardising criminal or other proceedings.’
