Mohamed Al Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire who once owned the Ritz Hotel, died in 2023—but the dark shadow he left behind continues to grow. Hundreds of victims have now come forward, accusing the tycoon of systematic sexual abuse spanning decades.
In January 2025, a directed investigation was launched into whether police officers helped shield Al Fayed from accountability. Five individuals—one current Metropolitan Police officer and four former officers—have been officially notified they are under investigation for potential misconduct.
The police watchdog, the IOPC, is leading the probe. At the end of this inquiry, officials will decide whether any of these officers should face disciplinary proceedings for their alleged role in enabling or facilitating Al Fayed’s crimes.
Victims and survivors are being kept informed every step of the way. A Met Police spokesperson confirmed the force is fully cooperating, while emphasizing that being served a notice does not automatically mean misconduct proceedings will follow.
In a startling development this March, a man in his sixties was interviewed under caution on suspicion of human trafficking and facilitating rape—crimes tied directly to the Al Fayed case. Days earlier, three women were also questioned on similar allegations, including aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault.
No arrests have been made yet, but the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are combing through evidence related to more than 400 separate sexual misconduct crimes—claims that stretch from 1977 all the way to 2014.
The scope of what Al Fayed is alleged to have done is staggering: decades of predation allegedly carried out with impunity. Now, the focus is turning to those who may have looked the other way.
