The Metropolitan Police's handling of allegations against the late Mohamed Al Fayed has been thrust back into the spotlight as three new complainants come forward. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed receipt of these fresh complaints, specifically addressing the Met's response to claims between 2018 and 2024. The IOPC will now assess these allegations to determine the next course of action.
This latest development is just another layer in the complex and ongoing investigation into the Met's conduct. The existing inquiry, overseen by the IOPC and led by the Met's directorate of professional standards, examines the actions of one serving officer and four former officers for potential misconduct related to the case. This probe follows reports from four other alleged victims.
The scale of allegations against Al Fayed is staggering: over 400 claims of sexual misconduct, spanning a period from 1977 to 2014. These include serious crimes such as rape and human trafficking. The Metropolitan Police's Operation Cornpoppy, launched 19 months ago, aims to investigate individuals who may have facilitated or enabled Al Fayed's alleged crimes, having so far interviewed four people under caution.
Victim advocacy groups are pushing for a broader investigation into potential trafficking networks, with some arguing that without it, the full extent of the billionaire's alleged crimes may remain undiscovered. Lawyers representing the Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group have stated that 421 individuals have come forward with allegations of abuse, occurring at various locations owned by Al Fayed.
Recent meetings between Labour leader Keir Starmer and survivors, as well as a Downing Street meeting between Prime Minister's representatives and the same group, highlight the growing demand for justice and accountability. The meetings underscore the courage shown by those who have come forward with their stories.