Statement on allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed

As a result of numerous allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed being reported in the media, we are now asking any potential victim-survivors who may not have come forward before to do so.

We recognise the significant step many people have already taken in reporting allegations, and know there are many reasons others may have not yet come forward.

We must ensure every victim-survivor who has reported offences or is considering reporting has the confidence and ability to speak to us.

Officers are currently making contact with other organisations, including lawyers representing individuals whose allegations have featured in recent media coverage, to ensure they have the opportunity to speak with us and report any offences.

Additional, specialist support for those who have made contact with us in the past, along with those who come forward, has been put in place and this will continue as our enquiries progress.

This support will be provided by specially trained officers with experience in dealing with sexual offences who will work with victim-survivors and provide links to external support agencies should this be required.

It is important to make clear at this stage that it is not possible for criminal proceedings to be brought against someone who has died.

This means there is no prospect of any conviction relating to Al Fayed himself.

However, we must ensure we fully explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences.

As such, we are carrying out full reviews of all existing allegations reported to us about Al Fayed to ensure there are no new lines of enquiry based on new information which has emerged.

Commander Stephen Clayman said: “We recognise the significance of the allegations made against Mohamed Al Fayed and the impact this has had on those affected. It is vital that any victims have a voice and are able to report any allegations if they have not done so before, and know that they will be taken seriously. We have specialist teams to ensure all those victims who make contact with us are supported in the best way possible.

“I understand that for many years many people have sought answers in relation to this case. We will do everything possible to update on our progress when we can, but it is crucial we do this thoroughly and we do it right.”

There are various ways to contact police about your experience:

- call the Complex Investigation Team on 020 8217 6582 or 6586 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Sunday;
- call 101 at any time and quote CAD1920/26Sep;
- email here or CSCMailbox-.ComplexInvestigationTeam@met.pnn.police.uk
- use the following online portal here where you can provide information here.

Information and further advice on speaking to police if you have been the victim of a sexual offence, or to access independent support groups, can be found on our website.

Allegations

At this time we have identified 19 allegations which resulted in crimes being recorded involving Al Fayed relating to 19 separate women that were reported to the Met between 2005 and 2023.

The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1979 and 2013. Of these reports, three were allegations of rape, 15 were sexual assault and one related to trafficking.

Between 2005 and 2023 we approached the Crown Prosecution Service on five occasions – two of these, in 2009 and 2015, were to pass full files of evidence. The remaining three approaches were for early investigative advice.

In all 19 allegations that were reported to police there was no further action taken against Mohamed Al Fayed.

We have now received new allegations from people who have not previously contacted us about Mohamed Al Fayed. We are not confirming the number at this time.