Five women abused by Al Fayed recognised as trafficking victims in UK

At least five women abused by the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed have been formally recognised by Britain's Home Office as victims of human trafficking, marking a significant development in the growing number of allegations surrounding the former Harrods owner.

The confirmations follow calls by survivors for London's Metropolitan Police to widen its investigation into alleged trafficking, arguing that Fayed's abuse depended on associates who recruited and supplied women over several decades, reports The Guardian.

The Home Office has issued "conclusive grounds" decisions recognising at least five survivors as victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, according to people familiar with the cases.

Survivors say they were trafficked both within Britain and across international borders through different methods. Some alleged they were recruited under the pretext of false positions at Harrods, while others said they were initially hired for legitimate jobs before being "selected from the shop floor" for abuse.

They also allege that businesses and properties controlled by Fayed, including Harrods, his yachts, aviation business, the Ritz Paris and properties in France, Monaco, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, were used to facilitate the abuse.

One survivor, Isabella, said Harrods acted as "a processor" for women who were abused and later silenced.

Fayed, who died in 2023 aged 94, was never charged with any criminal offence related to the allegations against him.

He has been accused by more than 400 women of offences including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, false imprisonment, drugging, physical violence and forced abortions between 1977 and 2014.

The Metropolitan Police's ongoing investigation, known as Operation Cornpoppy, is examining whether individuals may have facilitated Fayed's alleged crimes. Police have questioned four people as part of the inquiry.

One survivor, identified as Justine, said she felt "shellshocked" after receiving a conclusive grounds decision in June 2026 recognising her as a victim of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Another survivor, Pelham Spong, said she was trafficked from Paris to London on Fayed's orders for the purpose of sexual assault.

The recognition of trafficking victims comes amid continued scrutiny of the Metropolitan Police's handling of allegations against Fayed over many years.

Britain's Independent Office for Police Conduct is examining complaints relating to the force's handling of allegations between 2018 and 2024.

Harrods has said it supports survivors in their pursuit of justice and is cooperating with the police investigation.