- At least five women who were abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have been formally recognised by the Home Office as victims of modern slavery.
- Five survivors have been confirmed as human trafficking victims by the Home Office, with more expected to follow.
- The latest cases include women who were trafficked internationally and within the UK, with one case involving trafficking entirely within Harrods.
- Conclusive grounds decisions through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) formally recognise individuals as victims of modern slavery.
- One survivor described receiving the decision as very significant, stating it was shocking to read that she was a victim of modern slavery and trafficking.
- Hundreds of women have accused Al Fayed of rape, sexual assault, and trafficking, with allegations spanning from the 1990s to 2014.
- Operation Cornpoppy is the Metropolitan Police's investigation examining whether others facilitated or enabled Al Fayed's crimes.
- 154 victims have come forward to report allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
- Legal experts have indicated that positive decisions can strengthen the credibility of witnesses in criminal proceedings.
At least five women abused by Mohamed Al Fayed have been recognized as victims of modern slavery by the Home Office, following a formal decision through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).1
The recognition comes after a series of investigations into allegations of sexual exploitation and trafficking involving Al Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010.
Legal experts indicate that these decisions can enhance the credibility of witnesses in criminal cases and influence police investigations.10
The latest cases involve women trafficked both internationally and domestically, with one survivor stating, “Seeing it in writing that you were a victim of modern slavery and trafficking is very... it’s really shocking to read,” highlighting the emotional impact of the acknowledgment.3
The Home Office's findings reveal that one survivor was subjected to sexual exploitation in the UK and France over three years by Al Fayed and his brother Salah.
More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct against Al Fayed have emerged, including claims of rape and trafficking, with the Metropolitan Police's Operation Cornpoppy investigating potential facilitators of his crimes.8
As the investigation continues, 154 victims have reported allegations of sexual assault and trafficking, with four individuals questioned under caution.9
Al Fayed, who died in 2023, faced numerous accusations but never charges, leaving a legacy of alleged abuse that spans decades.
“The Home Office found one survivor was sexually exploited by Al Fayed and his brother Salah in the UK and France over three years. Rachel Louw, who waived her anonymity, was the first woman to receive such a decision, the BBC revealed in April.”
BBC
The Guardian
