Ninety further victims have been identified by detectives investigating Mohamed Al Fayed and the sex abuse scandal.
The new claims relate to allegations of rape and sexual assault and span nearly 40 years between 1977 and 2014, with the youngest victim-survivor aged just 13 at the time of the alleged attack.
A total of 150 complainants came forward following the airing of a BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, in September, the Metropolitan Police said.
Half a dozen people suspected of ‘facilitating’
The force is also investigating at least half a dozen people suspected of ‘facilitating’ the late billionaire’s campaign of abuse.
Al Fayed’s network of suspected enablers is said to have included members of his personal security team, the luxury department store’s PR staff and medics hired to test victims for sexually transmitted diseases before he raped them, according to the BBC.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards will examine if any serving or former officers were involved in misconduct that could have enabled him to cover his tracks.
Commander Stephen Clayman said the probe will look at what role individuals ‘may have played in facilitating or enabling his offending, and what opportunities they had to protect victims from his horrendous abuse’.
Police now investigating abuse claims against Mohamed Al Fayed from 90 victims
Al Fayed was never charged or prosecuted in relation to any complaints. The 90 new victims are in addition to the 21 who came forward before the documentary aired and accused Al Fayed of abuse between 2005 and is death aged 94 in 2023.
The Met has referred itself to the police watchdog over complaints from two of those women about how their allegations were handled.
An internal review is also being carried out into how the force handled claims about Al Fayed while he was alive.
Hundreds more women have come forward to lawyers accusing the tycoon of raping or sexually assaulting them, according to the Justice for Harrods Survivors group.
One legal representative has described it as one of the worst cases of corporate abuse of women ever seen.
Al Fayed was never charged
Al Fayed was never charged or prosecuted in relation to any complaints.
Mr Clayman said: ‘I recognise the bravery of every victim-survivor who has come forward to share their experiences, often after years of silence.
‘This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that Mohamed Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution.
‘However, we are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending and we are committed to seeking justice.
‘We are aware that past events may have impacted the public’s trust and confidence in our approach, and we are determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness.
‘We encourage anyone who has information or was affected by Al Fayed’s actions to reach out to us. Your voice matters and we are here to listen and to help.’
He also appealed for any further victims to come forward. Barristers Bruce Drummond, Dean Armstrong KC and Maria Mulla address the media during a Justice for Harrods Survivors press conference in London.
The senior officer said: ‘To anyone who suffered at the hands of Mohammed Al Fayed or others who may not yet have come forward, I know there may be many reasons why you have not felt able to report the crimes committed against you.
‘I know you may have faced years of silence or disbelief, but you are not alone. We are here, ready to support you and ensure your voice is heard.
‘Even if you feel your information is small or insignificant, it could make a difference to the investigation. Every voice matters and, collectively, we can piece the truth together.’
Emma Jones, partner at Leigh Day, which represents clients affected by the Al Fayed scandal, said: ‘We note the widening of the police investigation to cover those who facilitated Al Fayed’s abuse, although the news offers too little too late to survivors.
‘The fact that the Metropolitan Police has also referred cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to the scandal raises serious concerns about accountability.
‘By referring their own cases, the police are effectively marking their own homework, which is unlikely to inspire public confidence or deliver the level of transparency and scrutiny this case demands.
‘Our clients, who we are proud to represent, are rightly calling for a full public inquiry into these deeply troubling matters.
‘We will continue to push for this on their behalf to ensure that the survivors of the Harrods scandal achieve the justice they deserve.’