Update in response to allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed

Between 2005 and 2023, the Met received 21 separate allegations in total against the late Mohamed Al Fayed.

Investigating officers approached the CPS for early investigative advice in relation to 10 of these allegations.

Detectives routinely forward cases to the CPS for early investigative advice to ensure the early development of a joint strategy for the prosecution . As part of this process, the CPS can offer expertise and advice around the evidential picture.

Based on the advice and dialogue with the CPS, no further action was taken in relation to the ten allegations officers sought early investigative advice on.

There was however sufficient evidence to pass two files of evidence to the CPS, which related to two separate allegations. No charges were brought by prosecutors.

The remaining nine allegations were reviewed by officers and no further action was taken. Two of those allegations resulted in no further action as Al Fayed died and therefore there was no prospect of a conviction.

Following recent media coverage and the Met’s public appeals for people to come forward and speak to the police, officers have now been contacted by 60 people reporting their experiences.

Detectives continue to build a fuller picture around the previous allegations against Al Fayed alongside partners in the criminal justice system. Looking forward, investigators are reviewing the new information which has come to light, in an effort to establish if there are any allegations of criminality that can be pursued against others who may have had some involvement in any offending.

Commander Stephen Clayman said: “I want to thank those who have put trust in us and come forward to share their experiences – this will have taken a huge amount of courage and bravery.

“We recognise the significance of the allegations and it is right that a detailed and thorough review takes place on previous allegations. And while we know that it isn’t possible to bring criminal proceedings against someone that has died, our priority is to give any potential victim-survivors a voice and ensure they receive the right care and support.

“We continue to explore a number of new lines of enquiry, thoroughly reviewing any new information and assessing whether there are any allegations of criminality which can be pursued.”

Breakdown of previous allegations

The Met received a total of 21 allegations relating to Al Fayed. These are broken down as follows:

• Investigators sought early investigative advice from the CPS around 10 of these allegations, which subsequently had no further action by police.
• Two allegations were included in two files of evidence passed to the CPS. No charges were brought by prosecutors.
• Two allegations were not referred to the CPS as Al Fayed had died.
• Seven allegations resulted in no further action taken by the police.