The Metropolitan Police has apologised to alleged victims of Mohamed Al Fayed for the distress they have suffered, according to leaked correspondence. The apology comes as the force faces mounting pressure over its handling of sexual abuse allegations against the former Harrods boss.
In a letter obtained by the BBC, Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs acknowledged she was "acutely aware the case is especially distressing to all those who have suffered". She expressed particular regret that "the main suspect will now never directly face justice for his crimes".
Police face corruption allegations
Scotland Yard declined to provide a copy of the letter to PA, stating it could not comment further as this would "jeopardise criminal or other proceedings". The force is currently reviewing 21 allegations that were made before Al Fayed died in 2023.
Two complaints against the Met over its handling of the allegations will be investigated by the force itself under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog received these referrals in November as part of the ongoing investigation.
Over 100 victims contact police
More than 100 alleged victims have now contacted police claiming they were sexually abused by the tycoon. The youngest victim is believed to have been just 13 years old at the time of the alleged abuse.
A number of allegations were made against Al Fayed whilst he was still alive, with investigators twice sending files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for charging decisions. The first submission occurred in 2008 relating to three alleged victims, followed by another in 2015 concerning one additional case.
Investigation spans decades of allegations
On three further occasions between 2018 and 2023, the CPS was asked for early investigative advice, but police did not pursue these matters further. The allegations are claimed to span decades between 1977 and 2014.
In November, the Met confirmed that detectives were investigating more than five people who may have facilitated Al Fayed in his alleged sexual abuse. They are examining individuals surrounding the businessman who could have enabled him to commit the alleged crimes.
Bribery claims emerge
The force is also facing serious allegations of police corruption. The Guardian has reported that officers were accused of taking bribes to help Al Fayed persecute staff and avoid accusations of abuse.
Alleged victims have repeated their calls for a public inquiry into what happened during Al Fayed's years of alleged offending. The investigation continues as more victims come forward with their accounts.
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
