Detectives investigate more than five people who may have 'enabled' Mohamed Al Fayed to carry out alleged sex crimes
WATCH: Al Fayed a 'monster enabled by Harrods system', says lawyer
GB News
More than five people are under police investigation for allegedly "facilitating" Mohamed Al Fayed to commit a catalogue of sexual abuse between 1977 to 2014.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed 150 new individuals have come forward with information related to Al Fayed, since launching a public appeal sparked by a BBC documentary that alleged a number of women were raped or sexually assaulted by the billionaire.
Al Fayed, who formerly owned the department store Harrods and Fulham FC, died last year at the age of 94.
One alleged victim-survivor told the Daily Telegraph the billionaire was arrested in 2013.
More than five people are under police investigation for allegedly 'facilitating' Mohamed Al Fayed to commit a catalogue of sexual abuse between 1977 to 2014
PAAlthough files of evidence were submitted by the police to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in both 2009 and 2015, he was never charged with any offences.
Ninety new victim-survivors have now been identified, some reporting multiple offences, and are being supported by specially trained police officers.
This is on top of 21 alleged victims who had already contacted the force, before the scale of abuse was uncovered in the BBC documentary that aired in September.
The youngest alleged victim-survivor of Al Fayed's crimes was 13-years-old at the time of the alleged offence.
Commander Stephen Clayman, of the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: "I recognise the bravery of every victim-survivor who has come forward to share their experiences, often after years of silence."
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“This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that Mohamed Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution. However, we are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending, and we are committed to seeking justice."
The Metropolitan Police say they are working closely with the CPS, and will be "seeking early advice at an appropriate time".
Two women have complained about the quality of investigations into Al Fayed that were carried out in 2008, and the Met has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An internal review is being carried out into how the force handled claims about Al Fayed while he was alive, with the results due to be published next month.
Al Fayed, who formerly owned the department store Harrods and Fulham FC, died last year at the age of 94
PAAllegations of police corruption have previously been reported by the Guardian, which alleged officers were accused of taking bribes to help Al Fayed prosecute staff and avoid accusations of abuse.
The Metropolitan Police said it is "committed to understanding, being open about any shortcomings and improving our response to survivors".
Commander Clayman added: "We are aware that past events may have impacted the public’s trust and confidence in our approach, and we are determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness."
"We encourage anyone who has information or was affected by Al Fayed’s actions to reach out to us. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen and to help."
Police continue to appeal for survivors and witnesses, and invite them to contact the Complex Investigation Team.
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