The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a new investigation following a public appeal for victims to come forward and an assessment of allegations concerning Mohamed Al Fayed.
Since a renewed public appeal and recent media reporting, numerous victims have contacted the Met, some reporting multiple offences, bringing the total known new victims to 90.
The Complex Investigation Team (CIT), a dedicated unit within the Met, continues to review all reports and pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry.
As a result of their assessment so far, specialist crime detectives have launched an investigation into several individuals associated with Al Fayed. Officers are working to establish what roles those individuals may have played in assisting and facilitating Al Fayed’s offending.
The Met is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and will be seeking early advice at the appropriate time.
Detectives are also actively reviewing all previous investigations to identify missed opportunities, recognising that current investigative techniques and practices have progressed significantly over the last 20 years. They have reviewed over 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim and impact statements, and retrieved significant material from these investigations stored in our archives, said the police.
“No criminal charges were brought against Al Fayed while he was alive and we recognise the impact this has had on many victims. From the review so far, it is apparent that past investigations were extensive and conducted by specialist teams who sought charging decisions from the CPS on two occasions,” stated Met Police. “However, we know that contact with and support for some victims at the time could have been improved. Only after completing this comprehensive review will we fully understand what could have been done differently.”
Following complaints from two women about the quality of investigations conducted in 2008, the Met “has voluntarily referred these cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
While these cases date back over a decade, and “we cannot change what happened in the past, we are committed to understanding, being open about any shortcomings and improving our response to survivors moving forward.”
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.
“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.
“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.”
