Mohamed Al Fayed: Met police open to pursuing criminal proceedings against others linked to ex-Harrods owner

The Metropolitan Police have said they are exploring whether any other people “could be pursued for criminal offences” in relation to allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed.

Five women say they were raped by the former Harrods owner, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct.

The force are asking any potential victims who have not come forward to do so.

“It is important to make clear at this stage that it is not possible for criminal proceedings to be brought against someone who has died," they said in a statement. This means there is no prospect of any conviction relating to Al Fayed himself.

“However, we must ensure we fully explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences.

“As such, we are carrying out full reviews of all existing allegations reported to us about Al Fayed to ensure there are no new lines of enquiry based on new information which has emerged.”

The current managing director of Harrods earlier apologised and said the business “failed our colleagues” following the sexual misconduct allegations about the former owner.

Michael Ward said in a statement that it is clear Al Fayed “presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct”.

Mr Ward, who worked for Al Fayed for four years, said he was “not aware of his criminality and abuse ” and described it as a “shameful period in the business’ history”.

His statement comes as another alleged victim told the BBC she was summoned to the billionaire businessman’s apartment where “he became angry, the doors were locked and I couldn’t get out. He raped me”.

Mr Ward said an independent review was underway into issues arising from the allegations and that he had “provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues”.

In his statement, Mr Ward said: “As we have already stated, we failed our colleagues and for that we are deeply sorry.

“As someone who has worked at Harrods since 2006, and therefore worked for Fayed until the change of ownership in 2010, I feel it is important to make it clear that I was not aware of his criminality and abuse.

“While it is true that rumours of his behaviour circulated in the public domain, no charges or allegations were ever put to me by the police, the CPS, internal channels or others.

“Had they been, I would, of course, have acted immediately.”

Mr Ward continued: “Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985-2010, operated this business as his own personal fiefdom.

“It is now clear that he presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct.

“The picture that is now emerging suggests that he did this wherever he operated.

“This was a shameful period in the business' history, however, the Harrods of today is unrecognisable to Harrods under his ownership.

“As detailed new information has come to light over the past 18 months, the business has established a settlement process, designed in consultation with independent, external experts in personal injury litigation.

“We encourage former colleagues to contact us using this process so that we can provide the support, and recourse, they need.”

Sources within Harrods have said the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Mr Al Fayed for the purpose of settling claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority.

Mr Ward said he would “in no way influence” an independent review into the allegations.

He said: “Alongside this there is an independent review led by a non-executive committee of the board to further consider the issues arising from the allegations.

“I am not part of the committee conducting this review and will in no way influence its operation or recommendations.

“However, I have provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues.

“I have also stepped back from my charity trustee positions while this review is taking place.”

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