Arrests made in Al Fayed abuse investigation

French police make arrests

French police arrested several individuals for questioning last month in relation to Mohamed Al Fayed's alleged abuse. They were later released after interviews.

Three properties searched

Searches took place on thirteen and fourteen October at the Ritz hotel in Paris, Villa Windsor in the sixteenth arrondissement, and Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez.

Joint British and French operation

Metropolitan Police officers were present during the searches in what is understood to be a joint operation between British and French authorities investigating Al Fayed's alleged crimes.

Investigation scope

French prosecutors are investigating allegations of human trafficking committed by an organised group, aggravated pimping committed by an organised group, and rape. Digital material seized is being analysed.

Over four hundred came forward

More than four hundred alleged victims or witnesses have come forward to lawyers since the BBC documentary and podcast in September two thousand twenty-four accused Al Fayed of sexual assault.

Survivors call for more

The Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group welcomed the developments but said all properties owned by Fayed should be investigated with the same thoroughness wherever they are located.

“We believe that all properties owned by Fayed should be investigated with the same thoroughness as those already searched, wherever they are located, to ensure that no potentially relevant evidence is overlooked.”

Advocates demand Met action

The survivor advocacy group No One Above said France is treating this as organised human trafficking with proper investigation, and called for the National Crime Agency to take over the Met's investigation.

“France is treating this as organised human trafficking, led by specialists, with properties searched and evidence seized. That is what a serious investigation into a network looks like.”