Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed may have raped and abused over 100 women; police investigation into the case

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed on Wednesday that it had launched a new investigation into sexual assault allegations against late Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, and the investigation has so far identified 90 victims, news agency AFP reported.

Investigation follows a BBC documentary aired in September, revealing several allegations of rape and sexual assault against the Egyptian billionaire, who died last August at the age of 94. Since then, more than 400 women and witnesses have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, raising questions about how police have handled complaints over several decades.

The Metropolitan Police said that following a public appeal, “numerous victims, some reporting multiple offences”, came forward. They added that the special unit “will review all reports and conduct all reasonable investigations.”

Meanwhile, Guardian reported that five anonymous people suspected of helping Al-Fayed were being investigated as potential “facilitators.” Scotland Yard has also launched a wide-ranging review to assess whether previous investigations have missed opportunities and whether there is evidence to hold current or former police officers accountable for corruption.

Last month Guardian reported claims that corrupt officials helped Al-Fayed select employees, including a young woman who allegedly rejected his sexual advances.

The investigation now covers 111 cases of alleged abuse, with 21 victims reporting crimes to police between 2005 and Al-Fayed’s death, and 90 women coming forward after the BBC documentary aired. Police had previously identified 60 potential victims.

Detectives are investigating “several people associated with” Al-Fayed to determine what role they played in helping or facilitating the commission of the alleged crimes. They also review past investigations to identify “lost opportunities,” noting that investigative practices “have made significant progress over the past 20 years.”

The police have already reviewed over 50,000 pages of evidence, including victims’ testimonies and statements about the consequences of the incident.

“This investigation aims to give survivors a voice despite the fact that Mohamed Al-Fayed is no longer alive and unable to stand trial,” said Commander Stephen Clayman of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. “However, we are now pursuing anyone suspected of complicity in his crime and are committed to seeking justice.”

Clayman acknowledged that “past events may have had an impact on public confidence in our approach,” but stressed that the force “is committed to rebuilding that trust by addressing these allegations honestly and thoroughly.”

The crimes occurred between 1977 and 2014

Crimes Mohamed Al-Fayed is charged with a period from 1977 to 2014. The Metropolitan Police has now reviewed more than 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim impact statements and victim impact statements, and has recovered “significant amounts of material” from archival investigations, according to The Guardian.

As part of the investigation, detectives from the Directorate of Professional Standards are investigating whether current or former police officers were involved in misconduct. They are examining the evidence of witness Bob Loftus, a former security director at Harrods, who claimed that one former Met commander received luxury packages “every time he particularly helped Harrods”.

Earlier this month the Met commented on Great Britain police watchdog following complaints from two women regarding its investigation into Al-Fayed’s alleged sexual abuse.

In recent weeks, new accusations have emerged against Al-Fayed’s brother, Salah Fayed, who died in 2010 and was co-owner of Harrods department store at the time of the alleged abuse. Additionally, The New York Times reported this month that the victim accused another brother, Ali, now 80, of knowing about the “trafficking” of women.

(With AFP inputs)