British police launch new investigation into people linked to late Harrods boss Al-Fayed, World News

LONDON – British police say they have launched an investigation into whether people linked to the late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed facilitated allegations of rape and other sexual abuse against female staff at Harrods department store in London and elsewhere.

A BBC documentary released in September reported that Al-Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94, sexually harassed female staff, forced them to undergo medical examinations and threatened them with consequences if they filed a complaint.

Al-Fayed had always denied similar accusations before his death.

“This investigation aims to give a voice to survivors, even though Mohammed al-Fayed is no longer alive and faces prosecution,” Commander Stephen Clayman of London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement on November 27. he said.

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

He did not say how many people were under investigation.

Lawyers representing victims said more than 400 people had come forward, saying the abuse took place not only at Harrods but also at other locations linked to Al-Fayed’s business empire, such as Fulham Football Club, the Ritz Paris hotel and his property in Surrey. .

The BBC documentary said Harrods failed to intervene and helped cover up allegations of abuse during its ownership.

Harrods apologized and said it was “appalled” by the allegations. The plan introduced a process for current or former Harrods employees who wish to claim compensation, although it was criticized by victims’ lawyers.

MPS said 90 victims have come forward in the past two months.

Earlier in November, the MPS referred him to the police watchdog over his handling of two complaints against Al-Fayed in 2008 and 2013. MPS said it would review all background reports made against Al-Fayed.

((nid:703281))