Met Officer And Four Former Police Officers Investigated Over Handling Of Mohamed Al Fayed Abuse Allegations

A serving Metropolitan Police officer and four former officers are under investigation for potential misconduct over the handling of sexual abuse allegations made against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.

The police watchdog said the investigation relates to how reports made by four victim-survivors were handled by the Metropolitan Police. While no disciplinary decisions have yet been made, the IOPC revealed that the five officers have been formally notified that they are being investigated for possible misconduct.

The investigation was launched following growing scrutiny over the Met’s response to allegations against Al Fayed, who died in 2023 without ever facing criminal charges despite years of accusations involving rape, sexual assault, and trafficking.

Public attention intensified after a BBC documentary aired in September 2024 detailed allegations from numerous women who accused the Egyptian billionaire of predatory and abusive behaviour spanning decades. Following the broadcast, the Metropolitan Police disclosed for the first time that 21 women had approached the force with allegations against Al Fayed before his death.

Two women whose complaints dated back to 2008 referred their concerns to the IOPC in November 2024, prompting the watchdog to begin a directed investigation in January 2025. A third complaint was later referred in February 2025, expanding the scope of the inquiry.

The IOPC stated that the investigation is being carried out by the Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards under the watchdog’s direction and control. Officials said the probe remains ongoing and is examining whether officers failed in their duties while responding to allegations made against Al Fayed.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said it was cooperating fully with the investigation and confirmed that one serving officer and four former officers were being examined for potential misconduct. The force emphasized that the issuing of misconduct notices does not automatically mean disciplinary proceedings will follow.

The Met also confirmed that its separate criminal investigation into individuals who may have “facilitated or enabled” Al Fayed’s alleged offending remains active.

It is understood that the serving officer under investigation is continuing normal duties and has not been placed under restrictions while inquiries continue.

The latest developments have renewed questions about how authorities handled repeated allegations against high-profile figures and whether institutional failures prevented victims from receiving justice sooner. The investigation is expected to continue for several months as the IOPC reviews evidence and assesses whether misconduct proceedings are warranted.