UK police probe 40 new claims against former Harrods owner Al Fayed

LONDON - British police on Oct 11 said they had recorded 40 new allegations against late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, since the airing of a BBC documentary accusing him

of serial rape and sexual assault.

The Egyptian billionaire, who died in 2023 aged 94, was chairman of the upmarket west London department store until 2010, and was one of Britain’s most recognisable businessmen.

But in September, the BBC said he had sexually assaulted female staff during his tenure and threatened to sack them if they complained, and it accused Harrods of covering up the claims.

London’s Metropolitan Police said it was aware of 21 allegations against Mr Al Fayed before the documentary was broadcast: Four were for rape, 16 for sexual assault and one related to trafficking.

Police approached prosecutors five times between 2005 and 2023 but no further action was taken, the statement read.

Since the broadcast, they have recorded 40 new allegations from 40 complainants for a range of offences including sexual assault and rape between 1979 and 2013.

No prosecution is possible against Mr Al Fayed, the police said in a statement, but added that all the reports would be “formally logged and assessed to see if there are any allegations of criminality that can be pursued”.

“We continue to explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences,” they added.

The documentary has prompted police to re-examine their files on Mr Al Fayed, while 116 women are separately planning civil action against Harrods, lawyers involved said.

The luxury store itself said it is in direct settlement talks with more than 200 former employees.

It was not immediately clear about the extent of overlap of complaints.

Harrods, which is under new ownership, has said it is horrified at the revelations and “deeply sorry” for what happened during Mr Al Fayed’s time in charge. AFP