Al Fayed, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, faced allegations of sexual assault from over 20 women, as detailed in a BBC documentary and accompanying podcast released in September 2024.
One of the documentary’s interviewees reported that Al Fayed sexually assaulted her at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, while another woman alleged that he raped her at the Villa Windsor residence.
Since the initial accusations, more than 400 alleged victims and witnesses have approached legal representatives.
A woman further told BBC Scotland that she was trafficked, drugged, sexually assaulted and held captive on the Balnagoun Estate by Salah Fayed, Al Fayed’s brother, who died in 2010.
Both brothers died before any legal charges could be brought against them regarding these allegations.
Earlier this year, Police Scotland announced it was conducting additional investigations into allegations linked to the Balnagoun Estate.
A police spokesperson stated: “Three individuals have been identified in connection with offences against several victims.”
“Our investigations are ongoing, and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
The Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group welcomed the “significant developments” and the cooperation between the Metropolitan Police and French authorities.
“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,” the group said.
“We hope these developments mark meaningful progress toward identifying and holding accountable all those who facilitated, concealed, or assisted his offenses, regardless of where they operated.”
The survivor advocacy group No One Above stated: “France is treating this as organized human trafficking, led by specialists, with properties searched and evidence seized. That is what a serious investigation into a network looks like.”
“Two years later, survivors are still awaiting comparable action from the Metropolitan Police. It is time the National Crime Agency assumed responsibility for this investigation.”
The management of the Ritz Paris told AFP that it “does not tolerate any form of harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour” and that it is prepared “to cooperate fully with the competent judicial authorities.”
