Two individuals in their eighties have been interviewed under caution as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of abuse linked to the late former owner of Harrods, Mohamed Al Fayed. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a woman and a man were questioned between Monday and Wednesday on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, and assisting the commission of sexual offenses.
These interviews bring the total number of suspects questioned in connection with the investigation to six. No arrests have been made, and the police stated the inquiry is continuing. Earlier this year, three women and one man, all in their 40s to 60s, were also interviewed under caution. Those individuals were questioned on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offenses, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Al Fayed, who owned the luxury department store Harrods from 1985 to 2010, faced accusations of rape and sexual assault from hundreds of women. He died in 2023 at the age of 94 and was never formally charged with any criminal offenses.
The Metropolitan Police have described the investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled Al Fayed's alleged offending as one of their "largest and most complex." To date, the force has received reports of allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking from 157 victims.
Met Police Commander Andy Day called the latest suspect interviews an "important step in this complex and far-reaching investigation." He emphasized the crucial role of victims' support in securing these interviews and reiterated the commitment of officers to work with partners in the UK and overseas to bring to justice anyone suspected of playing a part in the alleged offending.