One hundred and forty-six people have reported crimes to the Metropolitan Police as part of their investigation into former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed. The significant number was revealed in a video update sent to alleged victims earlier this week.
The reports come a month after Scotland Yard apologised to alleged victims for the distress they have suffered. In a letter leaked to the BBC, Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs, who leads the investigation, wrote that she was "acutely aware the case is especially distressing to all those who have suffered".
"Not least due to the fact that the main suspect will now never directly face justice for his crimes and, for this, I am truly sorry," Detective Craggs stated. Al Fayed died in 2023 aged 94.
Investigation scope expands
The Metropolitan Police is investigating how it handled historical allegations against the tycoon and examining any potential facilitators and enablers. Detectives are also looking into whether misconduct or corruption occurred within the force.
More than five people are currently being investigated as potential facilitators of Al Fayed's alleged offending. The investigation focuses on individuals surrounding the businessman who could have enabled him to commit crimes spanning from 1977 to 2014.
Police are also facing allegations of corruption, with The Guardian reporting that officers were accused of taking bribes to help Al Fayed persecute staff and avoid accusations of abuse. The 37-year timeline represents one of the longest-running investigations of its kind.
Police response and improvements
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force has transformed its approach since the historical period in question. "The way the Met works has moved on immeasurably, and our teams have transformed the way we investigate rape and sexual offences," they stated.
"We're working with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure that victim-survivors are at the heart of our response, with a greater focus on suspects and their offending," the spokesperson continued. The force emphasised it cannot comment further while criminal proceedings remain possible.
Police expect to provide regular written or video updates to victims over the coming months. They continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, whether directly affected by Al Fayed's actions or aware of others who may have been involved.
Victims and redress
More than 100 survivors of alleged sexual abuse by Al Fayed have entered Harrods' redress scheme. The department store established the programme to provide compensation to victims following the allegations becoming public.
Al Fayed owned the luxury department store and gained prominence in Britain partly through his son Dodi's relationship with Princess Diana. Both Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Birminghammail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
