Three women have been interviewed under caution on suspicion of aiding and abetting former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
Detectives questioned the women, aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, as part of a Met Police investigation into the billionaire businessman, who has been accused by more than 100 women of rape and sexual assault.
They were interviewed between February 25 and March 5 over offences including aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The Met launched a criminal probe into the Egyptian businessman in November 2024, over a year since his death aged 94.
The force said that 154 victims have since come forward and reported allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
It added that officers have taken accounts from a number of Al Fayed’s accusers and other witnesses over the past 18 months.
No arrests have been made and the investigation, which has been broadened to cover human trafficking following calls from survivors, is ongoing.
Former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused by more than 100 women of rape and sexual assault
The Met launched a criminal probe into the department store owner in November 2024 – over a year since his death aged 94. Pictured: Harrods department store, in London
Commander Angela Craggs of the 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.
‘We encourage anyone with information, whether you were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed actions or have concerns about others who may have been involved or committed offences, to contact us.
‘Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.
‘We will share further updates when we are able to do so and only when this will not risk jeopardising criminal or other proceedings.’
On Wednesday, lawyers representing some of Al Fayed’s accusers urged the force to treat the scandal as “trafficking allegations”.
The Met previously said it was investigating individuals surrounding the businessman who could have enabled him to carry out more than 400 sexual misconduct crimes, which are claimed to have spanned decades between 1977 and 2014.
Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused by more than 100 women of rape and sexual assault
Before Al Fayed’s death, police were already aware of allegations made by 21 women between 2005 and 2023, including four claims of rape, 16 sexual assaults and one related to trafficking.
He was arrested in 2013 over a rape allegation, but the billionaire tycoon was not charged with any offence.
Investigators twice sent files for a charging decision to the Crown Prosecution Service – once in 2008 relating to three victims and again in 2015 linked to one other.
On another three occasions – in 2018, 2021 and 2023 – the CPS was asked for what is called early investigative advice, but the matters were not pursued further by police.