The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that three survivors of sexual abuse by the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have filed complaints about how the Metropolitan police handled allegations between 2018 and 2024. The complaints were made this week, and the watchdog will assess them before deciding on any further action.
Over 400 Claims of Sexual Misconduct
More than 400 claims of sexual misconduct have been made against Al Fayed, including rape and human trafficking, dating from 1977 to 2014. Al Fayed died in 2023 at age 94 without facing any charges. Lawyers representing survivors said 421 people had come forward about abuse allegedly taking place at Harrods, the Ritz hotel in Paris, Fulham FC, and other properties owned by Al Fayed.
IOPC Investigation into Met Officers
The IOPC is already investigating one serving and four former Met officers for potential misconduct related to the case. That investigation, led by the Met's directorate of professional standards under the watchdog's direction, involves other reports made by four victims. The Met is investigating allegations from at least 155 victims, with at least 21 having come forward before Al Fayed's death.
Operation Cornpoppy
Operation Cornpoppy, launched 19 months ago, is examining potential suspects who may have facilitated or enabled Al Fayed's crimes. As of last week, only four people had been interviewed under caution. A Met spokesperson stated: "We are assisting the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as it carries out an independent investigation into our handling of reports of sexual offending by Mohamed Al Fayed. The serving of notices does not mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow."
Calls for Wider Investigation
Victims have called for a broader investigation into trafficking, arguing that without it the "true scale" of Al Fayed's alleged network would remain hidden. The collective No One Above (NOA), founded by victims, has urged the National Crime Agency to set up a joint investigation team with the Met and oversee the inquiry. In June, Prime Minister Keir Starmer met about 200 survivors on an online video call. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The prime minister met survivors of Mohamed Fayed, paid tribute to their courage, and made clear he stands with them in their fight for justice."
