Four women have been formally recognized as victims of human trafficking by the UK Home Office.
The victims allege that the abuse was perpetrated by the late Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, who died in 2023 without ever facing prosecution for decades‑long accusations of assault, rape and trafficking.
Identified by pseudonyms, the women say their exploitation began in the 1990s and continued after Al Fayed sold Harrods in 2010, with many employed on the store floor or as assistants at his other enterprises, including the Ritz hotel in Paris.
Al Fayed owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010 before selling the department store for roughly $2.8 billion, and he also owned Fulham Football Club.
Following his death, dozens of former employees have come forward, describing a pattern of systemic sexual abuse and trafficking linked to his business operations.
In parallel, 157 alleged victims have reported sexual assault, rape or trafficking to the Metropolitan Police, prompting a wider investigation.
Police have questioned six individuals suspected of facilitating the crimes, but no arrests have been made to date.
A fifth woman, who chose to disclose her identity, confirmed she was trafficked and abused by Al Fayed and his brother.
At least three additional women have been referred to the National Referral Mechanism and are awaiting similar victim‑status determinations.
