UK police launch new investigation into colleagues of late Harrods boss Al Fayed | Sexual Assault News

London police said they were investigating the partners on suspicion of ‘aiding and facilitating’ sexual abuse.

British police announced that they are investigating associates of the late Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed on suspicion of “aiding and facilitating” allegations of rape and other sexual abuse against female staff.

London’s Metropolitan Police Service said on Wednesday it launched the investigation after a renewed public appeal and recent media appearances by 90 people making allegations against Al Fayed, who owned the luxury British department store Harrods between 1985 and 2010.

In the statement made by the London police department, it was stated that detectives also examined previous investigations against Al Fayed.

There are more than 400 alleged victims or witnesses of crimes committed by Al Fayed, who died last year aged 94, according to the Justice for Harrods Survivors group.

Al Fayed, who was the subject of a BBC documentary in September detailing allegations of harassment against 20 women, denied the accusations of sexual assault while he was alive and was not accused of any crime.

Police have admitted receiving allegations against the late Egyptian billionaire, whose business interests included the Hôtel Ritz Paris and Fulham Football Club, from 21 women before his death.

Commander Stephen Clayman, from Specialist Crime Command, said: “This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, even though Mohammed al-Fayed is no longer alive and faces prosecution.”

“However, we are currently pursuing those suspected of complicity in this crime and are determined to seek justice.”

Clayman said he was determined to regain public trust following “past events” that had damaged confidence in the force’s approach.

“We encourage anyone with information or who has been affected by Al Fayed’s actions to contact us. “Your voice matters and we are here to listen and help you,” he said.

Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police referred itself to the independent police watchdog after two alleged victims complained about the handling of investigations into Al Fayed.

The investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) relates to investigations in 2008 and 2013.