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Investigation into Mohamed Al Fayed’s Alleged Abuse Expands
The allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed have gained significant attention, with 111 women now accusing the late businessman of sexual abuse, including a 13-year-old victim. This development has prompted police to investigate over five individuals who may have facilitated Al Fayed’s alleged offenses, linked to his tenure as the proprietor of Harrods.
Following a renewed appeal for information from the Metropolitan Police, an additional 90 alleged victims have come forward. The total of complainants now stands at 111, highlighting the vast scale of the allegations against the billionaire, who passed away at the age of 94 in 2023.
The reported offenses encompass a range of serious allegations from sexual assault to rape and span a significant duration from 1977 to 2014.
An advocate for victims appointed by Harrods has suggested that the extent of the alleged abuses may parallel the notorious case of Jimmy Savile.
The police investigation has been robust, with over 150 individuals contacting the authorities following a BBC exposé that shed light on Al Fayed’s actions during his life as a businessman. The Complex Investigation Team (CIT) is specifically scrutinizing those associated with Fayed, looking into potential complicity in his alleged wrongdoings.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Police is conducting a comprehensive review of past investigations, aiming to uncover any missed opportunities to halt Fayed’s alleged crimes. Preliminary findings are expected to be released next month.
Notably, prior to his death, at least 21 women had made separate allegations against Fayed, but he was never criminally charged, as the Crown Prosecution Service declined to pursue the cases on two occasions.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is presently evaluating complaints from two women regarding the Met’s investigations stemming from their reports in 2008.
While Fayed did not face charges during his lifetime, numerous women are actively pursuing legal claims against Harrods, alleging a culture of abuse. The retailer initiated an internal inquiry last year, although the completion date of this review remains uncertain.
The Metropolitan Police has maintained that their investigations were thorough and handled by specialized teams, who solicited legal opinions from the CPS on two separate occasions.
However, police have conceded that their support mechanisms for victims at that time could have been more effective. “We cannot change the past but are dedicated to rectifying shortcomings and enhancing our interactions with survivors in the future,” stated a police representative.
Commander Stephen Clayman of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command emphasized the importance of giving a voice to the survivors. He acknowledged the challenges of public trust following past events, asserting the police’s commitment to address allegations with seriousness and transparency.
In a statement, Mr. Clayman articulated the intention to investigate what role others may have played in either facilitating or inhibiting Fayed’s alleged offenses.
Dame Jasvinder Sanghera has been appointed by Harrods as an independent advocate for the victims, recognizing the potential vast scope of the alleged abuses. She expressed concern that Fayed’s influence extended beyond Harrods, suggesting the possibility of incidents occurring in other environments.
Dame Jasvinder also highlighted that she has received accounts indicating Fayed had access to vulnerable individuals, including those from educational institutions for young women.
She voiced a strong belief that many individuals were aware of Fayed’s activities, alleging complicity among those who chose to overlook the situation, thus raising questions about the systemic issues surrounding the alleged abuse.
In response to these claims, the school associated with the reported incidents stated it had no evidence of Fayed being allowed access and emphasized its commitment to safeguarding protocols.
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