MPs Press Met, IOPC Over 21 Pre-2023 Al Fayed Abuse Reports
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 20
MPs Press Met, IOPC Over 21 Pre-2023 Al Fayed Abuse Reports
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 20
A cross-party group of MPs has sought meetings with the Metropolitan Police and the police watchdog, saying survivors still have unanswered questions about how Al Fayed abuse allegations were investigated.
The pressure centers on why reports made before Mohamed Al Fayed died in 2023 were not fully acted on, and whether people who facilitated the alleged abuse will face justice.
Hundreds of women have since accused the former Harrods owner of rape, sexual assault and trafficking; after a 2024 BBC documentary, the Met said 21 women had approached police before his death.
The scrutiny already reaches the force itself: a serving Met officer and four former officers are under investigation for potential misconduct, while the IOPC is examining how the original claims were handled.
The Met says its inquiry now has three strands—past police handling, possible facilitators and enablers, and any misconduct or corruption—with 155 people having reported allegations by March.
Can a 'broken' police complaints system truly deliver justice for the hundreds of women who accused the tycoon?
Harrods admitted a 'toxic culture,' but will enablers face legal consequences beyond financial payouts?
400+ Sexual Misconduct Claims Against Mohamed Al Fayed: Police Conduct, Harrods’ Enablement, and Calls for Public Inquiry
Overview
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a directed investigation into the Metropolitan Police in January 2025, focusing on how the force handled sexual abuse allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed. This investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards under IOPC guidance, aims to scrutinize the police response to reports from four individuals, including complaints dating back to 2008. Five officers—one currently serving and four former—are under scrutiny for potential misconduct. The inquiry highlights concerns about police accountability and the thoroughness of procedures in handling serious allegations.