Survivors are urging for a comprehensive trafficking investigation into billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, labeling him a “sex beast.” Victims of the former Harrods boss are pushing for Scotland Yard detectives to expand their inquiry into allegations of abuse spanning from 1977 to 2014. They are advocating for the establishment of a National Crime Agency unit to handle over 400 reports of rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, false imprisonment, drugging, physical violence, and forced abortions.
According to lawyers representing the Justice for Harrods Survivors group, 421 individuals have disclosed incidents of abuse at various locations owned by Al Fayed, including Harrods, the Ritz Hotel Paris, and Fulham FC. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating 155 victims who have directly contacted them, with 21 coming forward before Al Fayed’s passing in 2023 at the age of 94.
The ongoing investigation, known as Operation Cornpoppy, is targeting individuals who may have aided or abetted Al Fayed in his offenses. Despite being 18 months into the probe, only four individuals have been interrogated so far. The Metropolitan Police is resolute in holding accountable anyone implicated in Al Fayed’s wrongdoing.
However, a survivor-led group called No One Above, formed by victims of Al Fayed’s abuse, is demanding that the Metropolitan Police broaden the scope of their investigation to prioritize trafficking. They argue that shifting the focus to trafficking would enable authorities to examine the broader network, recruitment chains, financial transactions, and institutional involvement, rather than solely concentrating on individual cases.
Members of No One Above are also calling for the National Crime Agency to establish a joint investigation team (JIT) to work concurrently with the Metropolitan Police. They believe this collaborative effort would help unveil the international reach of the trafficking network by engaging with law enforcement and prosecutors from jurisdictions outside the UK where offenses occurred.
Moreover, survivors stress the importance of accountability and transparency, citing concerns over the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the case. Justine, a former Harrods employee and survivor, emphasized the systematic pattern of abuse orchestrated by Al Fayed, involving selection, isolation, grooming, coercion, and surveillance, which she described as horrifying.
Justine highlighted the complicity of various individuals in enabling Al Fayed’s activities, including security personnel, HR staff, bankers approving large sums of money, airport employees, and legal professionals drafting non-disclosure agreements. She underscored the need for a trafficking investigation to uncover the extensive network of enablers and facilitators involved.
Pressure is mounting on the Metropolitan Police to launch a comprehensive trafficking inquiry, with calls for a more systematic approach to unravel the network supporting Al Fayed’s crimes. Survivors emphasize the importance of seizing evidence and scrutinizing all aspects of the trafficking operation to bring those responsible to justice.
Justine recounted her 2018 encounter with the police, expressing disappointment over the lack of follow-up actions. She stressed the urgency of holding accountable both living individuals and operating institutions associated with the case.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is currently examining the handling of historical allegations, with one serving officer and four former officers under investigation. The Metropolitan Police continues to prioritize communication with victims and witnesses, aiming to build a comprehensive understanding of the alleged offenses.
