Police Scotland urged to reopen investigation of rape allegation against former Harrods boss Mohamed al Fayed

Police Scotland has been urged to reopen an investigation into former Harrods boss Mohamed al Fayed.

More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94, dating back to 1977.

But Police Scotland closed a probe into an allegation of rape at the estate he owned in the Scottish Highlands, saying it could be reopened if new information came to light.

A Westminster all-party parliamentary group (APPG) was set up last week to monitor a Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations made against the businessman, and to push for a full inquiry into the scandal.

The APPG co-chairs Wendy Chamberlain, deputy leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and a former police officer, and Labour MP Dave Robertson have written to Scotland's Chief Constable Jo Farrell pushing for the investigation to be reopened, citing the probe set up by the Met.

"We appreciate that you had previously closed your investigation into the reports of trafficking and sexual abuse by Fayed," the letter said.

"However, we note there are ongoing investigations by the Metropolitan Police, in addition to interest of the Independent Office for Police Conduct into the handling of earlier complaints.

"On this basis, we are writing to ask whether you are considering reopening your investigation.

"If you are not currently considering reopening your investigation, we urge you to assess the merits of doing so."

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The APPG said the scale of the offences al Fayed is accused of "is vast".

The letter added: "There are more than 400 known survivors, with more women coming forward.

"Given the earliest known allegation against Fayed dates back to 1977, the reports of trafficking, and accounts of horrendous sexual abuse taking place over international borders, it seems entirely likely that crimes were committed within Scotland."

Police Scotland said the force had received the letter and "will respond in due course".

A spokesperson for Harrods said: "Harrods supports the bravery of all survivors in coming forward.

"We continue to encourage survivors to make claims to the Harrods redress scheme, where they can apply for compensation until 31 March 2026 as well as support from a counselling perspective and through an independent survivor advocate.

"We also encourage survivors to look at every avenue open to them in their pursuit of justice, whether that be the police or the Fayed family and estate."

(c) Sky News 2025: Police Scotland urged to reopen investigation of rape allegation against former