LONDON — The Metropolitan Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are conducting investigations into more than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct against Mohamed Al Fayed and potential misconduct by police officers who handled prior complaints. Al Fayed died in 2023 at the age of 94 without facing any charges.

The claims include allegations of rape and human trafficking, with incidents reportedly dating between 1977 and 2014. Lawyers representing the Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group stated that 421 individuals have come forward regarding alleged abuse at Harrods or other businesses Al Fayed owned, including the luxury department store in central London, the Ritz hotel in Paris, and Fulham FC.

The IOPC confirmed that three victims filed complaints about the Metropolitan Police's handling of allegations between 2018 and 2024. The watchdog is investigating one serving and four former officers for potential misconduct. This inquiry involves reports made by four additional victims. The Metropolitan Police's directorate of professional standards is leading the investigation under the IOPC's direction.

Separately, the police are investigating allegations made by at least 155 victims. At least 21 of these individuals came forward before Al Fayed's death.

"We are assisting the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as it carries out an independent investigation into our handling of reports of sexual offending by Mohamed Al Fayed," a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said. "As part of this, the IOPC is investigating complaints against five officers. One serving and four former officers are being investigated for potential misconduct." The spokesperson added, "The serving of notices does not mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow." Regarding ongoing assessments, the spokesperson said, "We are aware that further complaints are now being assessed by the IOPC. We will support these as required."

The force launched Operation Cornpoppy 19 months ago to examine potential suspects who may have facilitated Al Fayed's alleged crimes. As of last week, the operation had interviewed four people under caution. "Our investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled offending by Mohamed Al Fayed remains active," the spokesperson said. No One Above, a collective founded by victims, has urged the National Crime Agency to establish a joint investigation team with the Metropolitan Police to oversee the inquiry.