The sprawling Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation linked to the late billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed has taken a significant turn. Detectives have interviewed three women under caution on suspicion of sex trafficking and facilitating rape, marking a critical new phase in a long-running inquiry. News outlets including the BBC, The Guardian, and Sky News have reported on this development, highlighting the ongoing efforts to bring to justice those who may have enabled Al Fayed’s alleged crimes.
The Suspects: Three Women Interviewed Under Caution
Between February 25 and March 5, 2026, the Metropolitan Police interviewed three women as part of their extensive investigation. The women, aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, were questioned under caution, a legal process that precedes any potential charges. While these interviews signify a deepening of the inquiry, no arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. The focus of the Met Police continues to be on individuals who may have facilitated or enabled offending by Mohamed Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94 and never faced charges for the numerous allegations made against him during his lifetime.
The Allegations: Human Trafficking, Facilitating Rape, and Sexual Assault
The women were questioned on serious suspicions, including aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. These allegations underscore the severe nature of the crimes being investigated and reflect the Met’s commitment to examining every aspect of the alleged abuse. The inquiry’s scope covers decades of alleged offending, spanning a period between 1977 and 2014. Police have spent the past 18 months taking detailed accounts from victims and witnesses, with information gathered during these conversations, along with international cooperation, broadening the inquiry to include human trafficking offenses.
The Scale of the Investigation: 154 Victims Come Forward
The sheer scale of the alleged abuse linked to Mohamed Al Fayed is stark. To date, 154 victims have come forward to report allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. This substantial number highlights the pervasive and long-term nature of the alleged crimes. The investigation aims to hold accountable those who may have been complicit in, or facilitated, the alleged actions of Al Fayed, leveraging an examination of over 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim statements and archived reports.
In response to the allegations, a compensation scheme for victims, established by Harrods, has received 180 claims. This scheme is set to close on March 31, urging eligible individuals to come forward before the deadline. Harrods has also offered apologies to survivors, with compensation awards and interim payments already being issued.
Commander Angela Craggs of the Metropolitan Police emphasized the unwavering focus on victims. “Victims remain at the centre of this investigation,” Craggs stated. “Today’s update marks an important step in a complex and far-reaching investigation. While Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution, we have always been determined to bring anyone who is suspected to have played a part in his offending to justice”. The police are actively encouraging anyone with information, whether directly affected by Al Fayed’s actions or possessing concerns about others who may have been involved, to make contact.
FAQ Section
Q1: Who are the three women interviewed in the Al Fayed investigation?
A1: The three women are aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed by the Metropolitan Police, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Q2: What are the specific allegations against the women?
A2: The women were interviewed under caution on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Q3: Is Mohamed Al Fayed facing charges in this investigation?
A3: Mohamed Al Fayed died in 2023 at the age of 94 and therefore will not face charges. The investigation is focused on individuals who may have facilitated or enabled his alleged offending.
What are your thoughts on the police’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims even after the death of the primary alleged offender?
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