A serving Metropolitan Police officer and four former officers are reportedly under investigation for their handling of sexual abuse allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a probe into potential misconduct following complaints against Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94. More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against the former Harrods owner, dating back to 1977.
The IOPC confirmed that the investigation, initiated in January 2025, relates to reports made by four individuals against Al Fayed. In a statement, the IOPC said: 'The investigation, which is being carried out by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards under our direction and control, involves reports made by four victim-survivors. We began our directed investigation in January 2025. At this stage, five individuals, a serving Met officer and four former Met officers, have been advised that they are being investigated for potential misconduct.'
The watchdog added: 'At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any current or former officers have, or would have had if they were still serving, a disciplinary case to answer. The victims-survivors are being kept updated on the progress of our investigation.'
A Met Police spokesperson confirmed the force is assisting the IOPC's investigation into the five officers. The spokesperson stated: 'As part of this, the IOPC is investigating complaints against five officers. One serving and four former officers are being investigated for potential misconduct. The serving of notices does not mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow. Our investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled offending by Mohamed Al Fayed remains active.'
In March, the Metropolitan Police reported that a man in his 60s was interviewed under caution over allegations of human trafficking and facilitating rape in connection with the Al Fayed investigation. This followed the questioning of three women between February 25 and March 5, also on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Police confirmed no arrests were made and the investigation is ongoing.
The Metropolitan Police previously announced that it is investigating individuals surrounding Al Fayed who may have enabled him to commit more than 400 sexual misconduct crimes, spanning from 1977 to 2014.
