Serving Officer and Four Former Officers Investigated Over Handling of Al Fayed Reports

A serving officer and four former officers are being investigated for potential misconduct in their handling of sexual offence reports made against Mohamed Al Fayed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it had not yet decided whether any of the officers have, or would have had if still serving, a disciplinary case to answer.

The investigation covers reports made by four individuals, according to the police watchdog. Public claims of sexual offences by Al Fayed emerged in a BBC documentary broadcast after his death. The documentary detailed some of his predatory behaviour.

Hundreds of women have since accused the former Harrods owner of rape, sexual assault and trafficking.

The women accused him of sexual offences including rape, sexual assault and trafficking. He was never charged with any offences. Complaints from two of the women, originally reported in 2008, were referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in November 2024.

A third complaint was referred in February 2025. The watchdog launched its directed investigation into the officers in January 2025. The investigation is being carried out by police under the watchdog's direction and control. At this stage five individuals – a serving officer and four former officers – have been advised they are being investigated for potential misconduct, the Independent Office for Police Conduct stated.

A police spokesperson said the force is assisting the Independent Office for Police Conduct as it carries out an independent investigation into the handling of reports of sexual offending by Mohamed Al Fayed. The watchdog is investigating complaints against five officers, one serving and four former, for potential misconduct.

"The serving of notices does not mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow," the spokesperson added. Police said their separate investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled offending by Al Fayed remains active. It is understood the serving officer under investigation is not on restricted duties.

Police have received reports from 154 victims alleging sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.