Met Police Apologizes to Al Fayed Victims, Promises Update Amid Ongoing Investigation

The Metropolitan Police has issued a formal apology to individuals who have come forward as alleged victims of the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, acknowledging the profound distress caused by the fact that he will never face justice for the numerous allegations leveled against him. Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs, who is now leading the ongoing investigation, conveyed the force’s deep regret, stating, “Not least due to the fact that the main suspect will now never directly face justice for his crimes, and for this I am truly sorry.”

The Metropolitan Police has also announced plans to release a video statement later this week, aiming to provide victims with an update on the extensive investigation. This inquiry encompasses approximately 40 allegations, including serious offenses such as rape and sexual assault, which are said to have been perpetrated by Al Fayed and potentially enabled by others. The businessman, who owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010, passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, leaving these allegations unresolved during his lifetime.

Despite the apology, some of Al Fayed’s accusers have expressed reservations, suggesting that the police force needs to demonstrate a more robust commitment to the investigation. Pelham Spong, who has accused Al Fayed of sexual assault from her younger years and now resides in South Carolina, voiced concerns about whether the Met is affording the case the “gravitas and attention” it warrants. She shared with BBC News her difficulty in placing “a huge amount of trust” in the police’s handling of the matter, citing historical instances where victims felt ignored or silenced for decades.

The Met’s investigation gained significant momentum following the broadcast of the BBC documentary “Predator at Harrods” in September 2024, which brought wider allegations against Al Fayed into the public domain. While around 21 women reportedly came forward with accusations against the tycoon between 2005 and 2023, no charges were ever filed. The current inquiry is also examining whether any living individuals may have facilitated Al Fayed’s alleged criminal activities, though no charges have yet been brought in this regard.

Scotland Yard is refraining from setting a definitive timeline for the completion of its investigation. In February, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley emphasized that it remains an active inquiry and that providing a running commentary would not be appropriate. The force has opted not to hold a group meeting, either online or in person, to update the alleged victims, citing concerns about maintaining anonymity and preserving the integrity of potential testimony for future legal proceedings. The upcoming video statement, scheduled for Friday, is anticipated to offer the first substantial update since the Met initially invited potential victims to come forward in September of the previous year. Detective Chief Superintendent Craggs’ letter acknowledges that some individuals may have experienced dissatisfaction with previous Met investigations into Al Fayed, potentially eroding their confidence in the current inquiry. To address this, the Met has invited alleged victims to submit their questions, which will be answered in the video statement.

Ms. Spong highlighted her apprehension that the video statement might offer vague promises rather than concrete actions, stating, “My fear is that most of our questions will remain unanswered, and we’ll merely be given vague promises of change and accountability with no real action.” She added, “It is hard to know what to expect and it is difficult to place a huge amount of trust in the process when the police have ignored and silenced so many victims for several decades.” In 2017, prior to Al Fayed’s death, detectives investigating some claims were reportedly unable to obtain a statement from him due to his ill health, leading to the case being closed. Ms. Spong has since lodged a complaint with the Independent Office for Police Conduct, arguing that the Met failed to challenge Al Fayed’s lawyers’ response.

In parallel, separate civil cases involving numerous women are progressing. A spokesperson for the Met Police affirmed that in addition to the video briefing, one-on-one engagement between officers and alleged victims will continue. The statement concluded with a reiteration of support for all victims and an appeal for anyone with information, whether directly affected or aware of others involved in offenses, to come forward. The police will provide further updates when feasible and when it does not jeopardize ongoing criminal or other proceedings.