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Serving Met officer and four ex-officers investigated for handling of Al Fayed allegations
A serving Metropolitan Police officer and four former officers are under investigation for potential misconduct over how they handled reports of sexual abuse against Mohamed Al Fayed. The IOPC began a directed investigation in early 2025, with additional inquiries into how the allegations were handled, and ongoing interviews and referrals have followed. The investigation was still active as of the article's publication on May 7, 2026.
Why It Matters
The case raises questions about police handling of high-profile sexual abuse allegations and accountability within the Met, with implications for safeguarding and public trust.
Timeline
5 Events
Article published reporting ongoing investigation
May 7, 2026
Article published reporting that a serving Met officer and four former officers are being investigated for potential misconduct over the handling of reports of sexual abuse made against Mohamed Al Fayed; the investigation continues under the IOPC direction.
March 2025: interviews under caution and victim numbers
March 2025
In March 2025, the Met Police announced that three women and a man had been interviewed under caution over offences including human trafficking for sexual exploitation and facilitating rape. The force also said that 154 victims had come forward with allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Third complaint referred
February 2025
A third complaint was referred to the IOPC in February 2025.
IOPC directed investigation and related inquiry launched
January 2025
The IOPC began its directed investigation into the Met officers in January 2025, to be carried out by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards under the IOPC's direction and control. A separate investigation into how the Met handled the allegations was launched in January 2025, overseen by the watchdog.
Complaints referred to IOPC
November 2024
Complaints made by two women, whose allegations were reported in 2008, were referred to the IOPC in November 2024.