Mohamed Al Fayed: Three Women Interviewed Under Caution — New Phase in a Broadening Inquiry
The Metropolitan Police have taken an important procedural step in the investigation into mohamed al fayed, interviewing three women under caution in connection with allegations that include human trafficking and facilitating rape. The interviews, conducted between 25 February and 5 March, form part of a wider, active inquiry that now encompasses multiple offences and the testimony of more than 150 people.
Mohamed Al Fayed probe: who was interviewed under caution
Specialist detectives questioned three women, aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s, on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. The interviews took place between 25 February and 5 March. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. To date, 154 victims have come forward and provided accounts of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Background and why the scope has widened
The inquiry originally focused on allegations of rape and sexual assault connected to the late former Harrods owner. Over the course of interviews with victims and witnesses during the past 18 months, information provided to investigators and collaborative work with partners in the United Kingdom and overseas have broadened the scope to include human trafficking. The expansion reflects investigators’ assessment of the full range of reported offences and the evidence emerging from detailed witness accounts.
Deep analysis: implications of interviewing potential facilitators
Questioning individuals on suspicion of enabling offending represents a shift from victim-focused allegation gathering toward probing potential networks or intermediaries. The Metropolitan Police have stated that the material gathered has broadened the inquiry to cover all reported offences, including human trafficking. Investigators say victims remain central to the process and that further updates will be provided when they will not risk jeopardising criminal or other proceedings.
The inquiry continues despite the fact that the central figure is deceased. The late former owner died in 2023 aged 94. At the time of many of the alleged attacks, he was proprietor of Harrods and owned other high-profile assets. Harrods has apologised unreservedly for the sexual abuse inflicted upon survivors by the individual at the centre of the inquiry and established a compensation scheme; the store has also been carrying out an independent external review into whether any current employees had knowledge of the alleged abuse, which the organisation has said is now concluding.
Expert perspectives and procedural questions
Commander Angela Craggs, Metropolitan Police, said: “Victims remain at the centre of this investigation. Today’s update marks an important step in a complex and far reaching investigation. While Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution, we have always been determined to bring anyone who is suspected to have played a part in his offending to justice. “
Phil Brewer, former head of the Met’s anti‑trafficking unit, said he could not understand why the operation had not already been designated a trafficking investigation and that reclassifying the inquiry would expand the investigative strategy. That assessment underscores why detectives are now examining allegations that go beyond individual acts to possible facilitation or exploitation.
Regional and wider consequences
The inquiry’s broadened remit incorporates partnership work across the United Kingdom and overseas. Investigators have said that information shared by victims and partnerships with other agencies has been instrumental in shaping the current strategy. The inclusion of human trafficking offences elevates the potential for cross-border investigative activity and for cooperation with international agencies where victim and witness testimony indicates movement or exploitation beyond a single jurisdiction.
For survivors, the shift signals that investigators are treating facilitation and exploitation as part of the alleged pattern of offending rather than peripheral matters. For institutions mentioned in the context of the allegations, the inquiry raises questions about internal reviews and the potential for civil redress mechanisms that have already been started in at least one organisation.
Investigators have encouraged anyone with information to come forward. The Metropolitan Police have said they will share further updates when it does not risk jeopardising criminal or other proceedings.
As the probe advances with additional interviews under caution, the investigation into mohamed al fayed enters a phase that seeks to trace not only alleged acts but also any people who may have enabled them — a shift that could influence how complex, multi‑victim historic abuse inquiries are pursued in future.
