A group of survivors is urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into allegations of trafficking against billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed. The victims are pressing Scotland Yard to expand their ongoing probe, covering incidents from 1977 to 2014, to include over 400 accusations of various crimes such as rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, false imprisonment, drugging, physical violence, and forced abortions.
The Justice for Harrods Survivors group’s legal representatives disclosed that 421 individuals have reported abuse at locations owned by Al Fayed, including Harrods, the Ritz Hotel in Paris, and Fulham FC. The Metropolitan Police are currently looking into 155 victims, with 21 coming forward prior to Al Fayed’s death in 2023 at 94 years old.
Dubbed Operation Cornpoppy, the investigation is targeting individuals who may have assisted in Al Fayed’s wrongdoings. Despite opening the inquiry 18 months ago, only four persons have been interrogated so far. The Met Police is adamant about bringing all suspected accomplices of Al Fayed to justice.
A survivor-led collective, No One Above, established by victims of Al Fayed’s abuse, is pushing for a broader investigation by the Met focusing on trafficking. They advocate for a joint investigation team (JIT) set up by the National Crime Agency (NCA) to work concurrently with the Met’s efforts to uncover the international reach of the trafficking network.
The survivors emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability, expressing concerns about the Met’s handling of the case. They stress the need for a thorough examination of the network of enablers and facilitators involved in Al Fayed’s operations.
Justine, a survivor who was trafficked and abused by Al Fayed, detailed the systematic process of victim selection, coercion, and intimidation orchestrated by the billionaire. She highlighted the involvement of various parties, including security personnel, HR staff, legal teams, and medical professionals in enabling the abuse.
Pressure is mounting on the Met to initiate a comprehensive trafficking investigation, with calls for a more holistic approach to understand the full extent of the trafficking network. Survivors stress the importance of seizing evidence and holding all responsible parties accountable for their roles in the abuse perpetrated by Al Fayed.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is reviewing the handling of historical allegations, with ongoing investigations into current and former officers. The Met Police reaffirmed their commitment to the investigation, prioritizing communication with victims and collecting detailed testimonies to build a comprehensive case against those involved in Al Fayed’s offenses.