In particular, two complainants criticized the way in which their testimonies were received and then treated during the investigation. The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
On Friday, London police asked the “police des polices” to examine complaints lodged by two women concerning its handling of investigations into alleged sexual abuse perpetrated by the deceased Mohamed Al-Fayedthen owner of the luxury department store Harrod’s. The complaints, forwarded to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), concern cases from 2008 and 2013. They concern the quality of the police response and, in the case of the 2013 investigation, the way in which details were made public.
“In recent weeks, two victims have raised concerns about the way their testimonies were handled, and it is entirely appropriate that the IOPC assess these complaints.”said Stephen Clayman of the Ministry of Justice’s Specialist Crime Team. “While we can’t change the past, we are committed to offering every person who contacts us the highest level of service and support.”he added.
More than 400 women and witnesses
The Metropolitan Police said on Friday that it had “was actively reviewing 21 witness statements filed prior to the death (in August 2023, ed. note) of Mohamed Al Fayed to determine if further investigative steps are possible or if there are things we could have done better.”. These testimonies follow the broadcast, in September, of a BBC documentary reporting on multiple accusations of rape and sexual assault allegedly committed by the Egyptian businessman.
The group “Justice for Harrods Survivors” said it had received 421 requests, mainly linked to the store, but also to Fulham Football Club, the Ritz Hotel in Paris and other locations. More than 400 women and witnesses have come forward in the last six weeks to report sexual abuse by Mohamed Al-Fayed, who died in August 2023 at the age of 94.