In a significant development, French authorities have made arrests in relation to an ongoing investigation into alleged human trafficking and abuse by the late business tycoon Mohamed Al Fayed. The probe, which is being conducted jointly with British authorities, saw the search of three properties, including the iconic Ritz hotel in Paris, last month. According to reports from the Paris prosecutor's office, several individuals were taken into custody for questioning and later released. This marks the first time any arrests have been made in connection with the allegations against Al Fayed, who owned Harrods and the Ritz hotel in London.
The investigation, which began in October 2026, is focused on allegations of human trafficking, aggravated pimping by an organized group, and rape. The searches were carried out at the Hotel Ritz in Paris's 1st arrondissement, Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez, a former property of Mohamed Al Fayed, and the Villa Windsor in Paris's 16th arrondissement, which was previously a holiday home for the Al Fayed family. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that its officers were present during the searches.
The allegations against Al Fayed include sexual assault, as detailed in a BBC documentary and podcast in September 2024. One of the women featured in the documentary claimed she was sexually assaulted by Al Fayed at the Ritz hotel in Paris, while another woman alleged she had been raped by him at the Villa Windsor residence. Since these allegations came to light, over 400 victims or witnesses have come forward to lawyers. The investigation is ongoing, with digital material seized during the searches being analyzed.
The Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group has welcomed the developments, calling for a thorough investigation of all properties owned by Fayed. They hope these developments represent meaningful progress towards identifying and holding to account all those who facilitated, concealed, or assisted his offending. The survivor advocacy group No One Above has called for the National Crime Agency in the UK to take over the investigation, expressing frustration that survivors are still waiting for a similar level of seriousness from the Metropolitan Police.
The management of the Ritz Paris has issued a statement saying they do not tolerate any form of harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behavior and are ready to cooperate fully with the competent judicial authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further developments will arise from this global collaboration between law enforcement agencies.