Scotland Yard will investigate its own handling of sexual abuse allegations against former Harrods manager Mohamed Al Fayed, following complaints referred by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). At the time of his death in 2023, police were aware of complaints from 21 women, including four rapes and 16 sexual assaults, with reports dating back to 2005. Al Fayed was arrested in 2013 but was never charged. Recent investigations have led to a total of 111 complainants, including 90 new allegations. The IOPC aims to uncover any missed opportunities in the investigation and address concerns over police corruption.
Scotland Yard’s handling of sexual abuse allegations against former Harrods manager Mohamed Al Fayed will be investigated by Scotland Yard itself.
The police watchdog yesterday announced that two complaints about the failure to prosecute a tycoon before his death had been referred back to the Metropolitan Police for investigation, following instructions from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). It was.
By the time of Al-Fayed’s death in 2023, police were already aware of complaints made by 21 women between 2005 and 2023, including four counts of rape, 16 counts of sexual assault, One purchase-related case was included.
The billionaire was arrested on suspicion of rape in 2013, but the 94-year-old was never charged with any crime.
Investigators twice sent files to the Crown Prosecution Service seeking a decision on charges. The first in 2008 involved three victims, and the second in 2015 involved two victims.
On three further occasions, the CPS was asked for early investigative advice, but police did not pursue the allegations further.
Since the BBC investigation in September, 150 people have come forward with information about “terrible abuse”, including 90 new victims, bringing the total number of complainants to 111, officials said. said.
The youngest alleged victim is believed to have been 13 years old.
Scotland Yard’s handling of sexual abuse allegations against former Harrods manager Mohamed Al Fayed will be investigated by Scotland Yard itself
The police watchdog yesterday announced that two complaints about the failure to prosecute the tycoon before his death had been sent to the Metropolitan Police for investigation, but this was on instructions from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Ta.
By the time of Al-Fayed’s death in 2023, police were already aware of charges committed by 21 women between 2005 and 2023, including four rapes and 16 sexual assaults. , including one case related to human trafficking.
Detectives are currently investigating allegations of rape, sexual assault and human trafficking spanning nearly four decades, from 1977 to 2014.
Officers also identified at least five suspects who are suspected of assisting the billionaire.
The IOPC’s decision comes amid reports that officers were taking bribes to support allegations of corruption and the persecution of officials, and how the force handled allegations about the businessman during his lifetime. This means that a review will be carried out within the Metropolitan.
IOPC Director of Operations Steve Noonan said: “My heart goes out to all the victims and survivors who have come forward with allegations against Mr Al-Fayed.”
“This incident has caused widespread public concern, as a significant number of allegations have been reported over the years while Al-Fayed was still alive.
“It is important that we conduct an investigation into these complaints and determine whether there were any missed opportunities or failures by officers to properly investigate these reports that were made in 2008.”
“The fact that the Metropolitan Police are currently considering 21 charges means that it is likely to be far more far-reaching than just two charges, and that it is also possible that the Metropolitan Police is considering potentially committing a crime with the Directorate for Professional Standards.” We decided to direct these investigations because they also help share information with ongoing criminal investigations against people “or aiding and abetting criminal suspects.”
