Scotland Yard has referred two cases to the police watchdog after receiving complaints over the force’s historical investigations into claims of sexual offences by Mohamed Al Fayed.
The complaints involve investigations from 2008 and 2013 and regard the quality of the Metropolitan police’s response and, in the latter case, how details leaked publicly.
Commander Stephen Clayman, from the Met’s specialist crime team, said: “We are actively reviewing 21 allegations reported to the Metropolitan police prior to Mohamed Al Fayed’s passing, as well as the related police investigations, to determine if any additional investigative steps are available or there are things we could have done better.
“This process remains active, and we are committed to assessing all new allegations, pursuing justice where possible and transparently addressing any failings.”
Lawyers have been approached by 421 people, most of whom alleged they were raped or sexually assaulted by Fayed, who died last year aged 94, when he was the owner of Harrods from 1985 until 2010. Police are looking into some allegations and Harrods is also settling hundreds of claims.
Clayman added: “In recent weeks, two victims/survivors have come forward with concerns about how their allegations were handled when first reported, and it is only appropriate that the IOPC [Independent Office for Police Conduct] assess these complaints.
“Although we cannot change the past, we are resolute in our goal to offer every individual who contacts us the highest standard of service and support.
“I encourage anyone with relevant information, whether you were personally affected or have knowledge about others who may have facilitated Fayed’s actions, to contact us.
“Our priority remains to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice.”
A spokesperson for the IOPC confirmed it contacted the Met in September to find out if the force had received any complaints about investigations into the Fayed allegations.
They said: “We contacted the Met police in September to find out whether it had received any relevant complaints or identified any conduct issues that would require a referral to us relating to sexual offence allegations made against Mohammed Al Fayed.
“We have remained in regular contact with the Met’s directorate of professional standards on this matter and, on 8 November, we received two complaint referrals relating to the Met police’s original handling of allegations made by two complainants about Mr Al Fayed.
“We will assess the information provided before deciding what further action may be required from us.”
Former Harrods staff who were sexually abused by Al Fayed called for a boycott of the luxury store as three survivors posed with tote bags with the Harrods logo crossed out during a press conference by the Justice for Harrods Survivors group last month.
One of the survivors, who wanted to be identified only as Lindsay, described Harrods as “a store that enabled the rape and sexual abuse of so many young and innocent women … so we don’t think that people should be shopping there”.
