The Metropolitan Police have submitted a comprehensive evidence file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) concerning a man in his 80s as part of its ongoing investigation into the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. The CPS will now determine whether criminal charges can be authorised against this individual.
A man and a woman, both octogenarians, were questioned under caution last month on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, and facilitating sexual offences. This latest development marks a significant escalation in the inquiry, which has now expanded to encompass allegations of human trafficking alongside the original sexual abuse claims.
The evidence file relates specifically to two indecent assaults on two women in London. According to a national broadcaster's report, the Metropolitan Police's inquiry, known as Operation Cornpoppy, has broadened considerably since its inception in 2008, when it began following allegations from a 15-year-old girl. The force has now received 146 reports of allegations across the wider investigation.
Seven suspects in total have now been interviewed under caution on suspicion of offences including aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting in the commission of sexual offences, and human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Earlier this year, three women aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s, and one man in his 60s were also questioned. Al Fayed, who died three years ago at the age of 94, never faced any criminal charges during his lifetime.
What is the CPS's role now?
The Crown Prosecution Service will review the evidence file and make a charging decision regarding the man in his 80s. The CPS will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with prosecution. A Met Police spokesperson confirmed that detectives had submitted a full evidential file and that officers would continue to work closely with CPS prosecutors as the case progresses.
How has the investigation expanded?
The inquiry has evolved significantly from its original focus on sexual assault allegations. Four people were interviewed under caution in March over trafficking and facilitating rape, indicating the investigation's broadened scope. Additionally, at least five Al Fayed abuse survivors have been formally recognised by the Home Office as victims of human trafficking.
The investigation has also extended beyond England. Police Scotland continues its separate inquiry into sexual assault allegations against Al Fayed, including claims linked to Balnagown Estate in the Highlands. Police Scotland says its investigation remains open after a new witness came forward.
What happened in earlier CPS reviews?
This is not the first time prosecutors have examined allegations against Al Fayed. The CPS previously considered charging Al Fayed in 2009 and 2015 but decided there was no realistic prospect of conviction. Those earlier decisions meant no charges were brought against him before his death.
How have survivors responded?
Jen Mills and Lindsay Mason, co-chairs of the Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group, welcomed the latest development.
The submission of a full evidential file to the CPS is a significant step, and it matters most of all for the two women whose allegations are at the centre of it. Both are members of Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors and, as with all those impacted by this scandal, we stand alongside them with love and empathy.
The recognition of survivors' experiences has extended beyond the criminal investigation. At least five women abused by Al Fayed have been formally recognised as modern slavery victims by the Home Office, with further decisions expected for additional claimants.
What operational challenges has the investigation faced?
The Metropolitan Police recently apologised after inadvertently exposing 143 email addresses belonging to people on its Mohamed Al Fayed victim mailing list. The data breach highlighted operational vulnerabilities within the force's handling of sensitive victim information during the investigation.
What happens next?
The CPS will now review the evidence file and make a charging decision. The outcome of this decision will determine whether the man in his 80s faces prosecution. Meanwhile, Police Scotland's separate investigation into allegations linked to Scottish properties continues, with officers pursuing leads from newly emerged witnesses.
Key Facts:
- Seven suspects have been interviewed under caution across the investigation into Mohamed Al Fayed
- The Metropolitan Police submitted an evidence file to the CPS relating to a man in his 80s and two indecent assaults
- The inquiry has expanded to include human trafficking allegations alongside sexual assault claims
- At least 146 people have reported allegations to the police
- At least five survivors have been formally recognised as modern slavery victims by the Home Office
