The Crown Prosecution Service has revealed that it reviewed the possibility of pressing charges against former Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed on two occasions but determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue a conviction.
The Crown Prosecution Service has acknowledged that police officers provided evidence in 2009 and 2015, which prosecutors thoroughly examined. Recent allegations have surfaced concerning the late billionaire, who passed away last year at 94. Following a BBC documentary, numerous women have come forward, alleging rape or sexual assault by the businessman.
In 2008, the Metropolitan Police investigated Fayed after a 15-year-old girl accused him of sexual assault in the Harrods boardroom. Subsequently, the police shared a file of evidence with the CPS, a necessary step before charges can be considered. Additionally, three investigations from 2018, 2021, and 2023 reached a stage where the CPS was consulted by detectives.
Fayed's ownership of Harrods from 1985 to 2010 has come under scrutiny, with over 20 women disclosing incidents of sexual assault or rape while employed at the luxury department store in London. Harrods' current management emphasizes a shift towards prioritizing employee welfare. The store has established a compensation program for former employees who report assaults by Fayed, separate from legal actions taken by some accusers. Harrods has settled with many individuals since 2023 and continues to address new inquiries.
Harrods has assumed vicarious liability for Fayed's actions, with settlements not bound by non-disclosure agreements. Dean Armstrong KC, representing alleged victims, expressed bewilderment over new information received by Harrods in 2023. In a BBC interview, he questioned whether the new owners, who acquired Harrods in 2010, were unaware of the allegations or chose to ignore them.
Armstrong disclosed having 37 clients, with the total number of individuals contacting them regarding Fayed's actions nearing 150. Lawyers claim that Fayed's assaults took place globally, spanning countries like the UK, US, Canada, France, Malaysia, and Dubai. Bruce Drummond, another lawyer, emphasized the widespread nature of the case beyond the UK.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner voiced concern over a culture where "powerful people seem to get away with it" in light of the sexual abuse allegations against Al Fayed. Speaking on the BBC, Rayner stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and preventing individuals from evading justice.
The company emphasized its transformation into a "very different organization" that prioritizes the well-being of its employees. The new owners of the department store have established a compensation scheme for former employees who claim to have been victimized by Fayed, distinct from the legal actions pursued by some accusers.
Harrods has settled financially with the majority of individuals who have approached them since 2023 and has received new inquiries recently. The company has accepted vicarious liability for Fayed's actions without non-disclosure agreements attached to the settlements. Dean Armstrong KC, representing alleged victims, expressed puzzlement over the undisclosed information Harrods received in 2023.
In a BBC interview, Armstrong raised doubts about whether the new owners, who acquired Harrods in 2010, were unaware of the allegations or chose to ignore the history of sexual misconduct. With 37 clients under his representation, Armstrong noted the increasing number of individuals reaching out with claims about Fayed, alleging assaults that spanned across multiple countries worldwide. Another lawyer, Bruce Drummond, highlighted the global nature of the case beyond the borders of the UK.
On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner expressed her apprehension regarding a culture where "powerful people who seem to get away with it" in light of the sex abuse allegations against Al Fayed.
During an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, she emphasized the necessity for extensive efforts to ensure that no one is exempt from the law and can evade accountability.
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