Gemma, Lindsay, and Jen, whose last names are withheld, react during the Justice for Harrods Survivors press conference in London, Britain, on October 31, 2024. – Reuters file

The Metropolitan Police of London confirmed on Wednesday that it has initiated a new investigation into allegations of sexual assault against the late owner of Harrods, Mohamed Al Fayed, which has so far identified 90 victims. This follows the airing of a BBC documentary in September that detailed numerous claims of rape and sexual assault against the billionaire Egyptian businessman, who passed away in August last year at the age of 94. Over 400 women and witnesses have since come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him, leading to increased scrutiny of how the London police force handled complaints that date back decades.

The Met stated that 'numerous victims, some reporting multiple offences' have come forward following a renewed public appeal. A dedicated unit will 'review all reports and pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry', it added. Previously, the force had identified 60 potential victims. Detectives are now investigating 'a number of individuals associated with' Al-Fayed and 'working to establish what roles those individuals may have played in assisting and facilitating' any offences, it added.

Detectives are also reviewing all previous investigations to identify any 'missed opportunities', the Met said, noting that investigative techniques and practices have 'progressed significantly over the last 20 years'. They have already reviewed more than 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim and impact statements, according to the force.

'This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that Mohamed Al-Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution,' said Commander Stephen Clayman of the Met's Specialist Crime Command. 'However, we are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending, and we are committed to seeking justice.' Clayman acknowledged that 'past events may have impacted the public's trust and confidence in our approach'. But he said the force was 'determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness'.

Earlier this month, the Met referred itself to the UK police watchdog following complaints from two women about its handling of investigations into Al-Fayed's alleged sexual abuse. Accusations have also emerged in recent weeks against his late brother Salah Fayed -- who died in 2010 -- during the period when he jointly owned Harrods. Meanwhile, The New York Times this month published the claims of a victim accusing another brother, Ali, aged 80, of knowing about the 'trafficking' of women.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com