UK prosecutors received evidence against Mohamed al-Fayed regarding allegations of sexual abuse in both 2009 and 2015 but ultimately decided not to bring charges, citing a lack of 'realistic prospect of conviction' [2a7e3c1c]. Multiple women accused al-Fayed of sexual assault and rape, claims that were highlighted in a recent BBC documentary. The documentary featured testimonies from 37 women who alleged that Harrods, the luxury department store owned by al-Fayed until 2010, enabled a culture of abuse over a span of 25 years [2a7e3c1c].
According to a recent opinion piece by Cliff Buddle, al-Fayed abused over 20 women at Harrods from 1985 to 2010, with allegations including rape and attempted rape. Victims feared reprisals due to al-Fayed's wealth and connections, which contributed to the systemic failures that allowed him to evade justice [bfd195fe]. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had previously reviewed evidence related to allegations of sexual assault and rape in 2008 and 2013, yet no charges were filed [2a7e3c1c].
Harrods responded to the allegations by expressing that they were 'utterly appalled' by the claims made against the former owner and are currently settling claims from victims [bfd195fe]. The police received 19 reports of offences against al-Fayed between 1979 and 2013, including three rapes, but no substantial action was taken [bfd195fe]. Al-Fayed sold Harrods for £1.5 billion (approximately US$2.3 billion) in 2010 and passed away in 2023 [2a7e3c1c]. The decision by UK prosecutors not to pursue charges has raised questions about the handling of sexual abuse allegations in high-profile cases and the challenges victims face in seeking justice [2a7e3c1c]. A civil action for victims is being prepared, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability [bfd195fe].