A BBC documentary revealed that the Egyptian billionaire had sexually abused his female staff, forcing the women to undergo medical examinations and threatening them with consequences if they tried to complain.
British police continue to investigate the alleged rape and other alleged sexual abuses of Harrods employees by the deceased former owner of the department store Mohamed al-Fayed, as reported by Reuters. The authorities are trying to determine if individuals linked to the Egyptian billionaire helped enable these crimes.
A BBC documentary reported in September that Al-Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, had sexually abused his female staff, forcing the women to undergo medical examinations and threatening them with consequences if they tried to complain. Al-Fayed always denied similar accusations before his death.
"This investigation aims to give a voice to the survivors, despite the fact that Mohamed al-Fayed is no longer alive to be prosecuted," said Commander Stephen Clayman of the Metropolitan Police Service of London in a statement this Wednesday. "However, we are now pursuing any individuals suspected of being complicit in his crimes, and we are committed to seeking justice," he added, without specifying how many people were under investigation.
Lawyers representing the victims have stated that the abuses 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 estate in Surrey. The BBC documentary mentioned that Harrods did not intervene and helped cover up the abuse allegations during his ownership.
Harrods has apologized and stated that they are "horrified" by the accusations. They have initiated a process for any current or former Harrods employee wishing to claim compensation, although the plan has been criticized by the victims' lawyers.
The MPS stated that 90 victims have come forward in the last two months. Earlier this month, the MPS was referred to the police watchdog for its handling of two complaints against Al-Fayed in 2008 and 2013. The MPS mentioned that they would review all historical reports made against Al-Fayed.