Almost half of Fayed abuse accusers are potential trafficking victims, MPs told
Metropolitan police have informed MPs that nearly half of the women alleging sexual abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed are potential victims of human trafficking. Senior officers stated that 70 survivors' accounts display hallmarks of trafficking, with victims moved between Harrods, Fayed's private residences, and overseas locations. However, survivors living abroad face difficulties in being officially recognized as trafficking victims by the Home Office, despite police referrals.
- ▪Senior Met police officers told an all-party parliamentary group that 70 survivors' accounts bore the hallmarks of human trafficking.
- ▪The Home Office has confirmed that at least five survivors were victims of international and domestic trafficking, though police suggest the number is higher.
- ▪Survivors reported being trafficked from Harrods to Fayed's offices and residence in Park Lane, as well as to his estate in Surrey and overseas locations.
- ▪Lawyers representing the survivors criticized the Home Office for rejecting trafficking referrals for women who currently reside outside the United Kingdom.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/02/mohamed-al-fayed-abuse-claims-potential-trafficking-victims |
| Publication time | Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:00:13 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-10-02T06:10:44.130Z |
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Some women were trafficked from Harrods to Fayed’s private offices and residence in Park Lane while others were taken overseas, police said. Photograph: Luke MacGregor/ReutersView image in fullscreenSome women were trafficked from Harrods to Fayed’s private offices and residence in Park Lane while others were taken overseas, police said. Photograph: Luke MacGregor/ReutersMohamed Al FayedAlmost half of Fayed abuse accusers are potential trafficking victims, MPs toldExclusive: Met police say 70 women’s accounts have hallmarks of trafficking, suggesting case numbers could riseDavid Batty Fri 2 Oct 2026 02.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAlmost half of the women who reported allegations of sexual abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed to the Metropolitan police are potential victims of human…
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