Detectives investigating Mohamed Al Fayed and the sex abuse scandal have identified an additional ninety victims.
The fresh allegations pertain to claims of rape and sexual assault, covering the period from 1977 to 2014, with the youngest survivor only 13 years old at the time of the alleged incident.
A total of 150 complainants emerged following the release of a BBC documentary, *Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods*, broadcast in September, as stated by the Metropolitan Police.
The police department is also examining the involvement of at least six individuals suspected of facilitating the late billionaire’s abuse campaign.
Reportedly, Al Fayed’s circle of suspected accomplices included members of his personal security detail, PR personnel from the luxury department store, and medical professionals hired to check victims for sexually transmitted infections prior to the assaults, according to the BBC.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards will investigate whether any current or former officers engaged in misconduct that may have allowed him to obscure his actions.
Commander Stephen Clayman noted that the inquiry will assess what role individuals “might have played in facilitating or enabling his offenses, and what chances they had to safeguard victims from his abominable abuse.”
The ninety newly identified victims are in addition to the twenty-one individuals who came forward before the airing of the documentary, alleging that Al Fayed had abused them from 2005 until his passing at the age of 94 in 2023.
The Met has referred itself to the police oversight body in response to complaints made by two of the women regarding the handling of their allegations.
Additionally, an internal examination is being conducted on how the police addressed claims against Al Fayed while he was still alive.
According to the Justice for Harrods Survivors group, numerous other women have approached lawyers alleging rape or sexual assault by the businessman.
One legal representative characterized it as one of the most egregious instances of corporate abuse against women ever recorded.
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Al Fayed was neither charged nor prosecuted concerning any of the allegations.
Mr. Clayman expressed, “I acknowledge the courage of each survivor who has come forward to recount their experiences, frequently after prolonged periods of silence.”
“This inquiry aims to amplify the voices of survivors, despite the reality that Mohamed Al Fayed is no longer here to face prosecution.”
“Nevertheless, we are committed to investigating any individuals suspected of being complicit in his offenses, and we are dedicated to pursuing justice.”
“We recognize that past events may have affected the public’s trust and confidence in our procedures, and we are resolved to restore that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness.”
“We urge anyone with information or who has been impacted by Al Fayed’s actions to contact us. Your voice is important, and we are here to listen and provide assistance.”
He also urged any additional victims to step forward.
The senior officer remarked, “To anyone who has been harmed by Mohammed Al Fayed or others who have yet to report, I understand there are numerous reasons you may not feel able to disclose the crimes perpetrated against you.
“I know you may have endured years of silence or disbelief, but you are not alone. We are here, ready to assist you and ensure your voice is acknowledged.
“Even if you think your information is minor or trivial, it could be pivotal to the investigation. Every voice matters, and collectively we can uncover the truth.”
Emma Jones, a partner at Leigh Day, representing clients affected by the Al Fayed controversy, remarked, “We acknowledge the expansion of the police inquiry to include those who enabled Al Fayed’s abuse, although this comes too little too late for survivors.”
“The referral of their own cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding this scandal raises significant concerns about accountability.”
“By assessing their own cases, the police are essentially grading their own performance, which is unlikely to foster public confidence or provide the transparency and scrutiny this matter necessitates.”
“Our clients, whom we proudly represent, are rightly demanding a comprehensive public inquiry into these deeply disturbing issues.”
“We will persist in advocating for this on their behalf to ensure that the survivors of the Harrods scandal secure the justice they deserve.”
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