Arrests made in Mohamed Al Fayed probe in France, police say

French police have arrested and questioned several people as part of an investigation into alleged abuse and trafficking by Mohamed Al Fayed, the late former owner of Harrods and the Ritz Paris. The searches and arrests mark the first such action in the inquiry and involve cooperation between French and British authorities.

Searches took place on 13 and 14 October at the Ritz in Paris, Villa Windsor in Paris and a former Al Fayed property in Saint-Tropez, with Metropolitan Police officers present. Several alleged victims were interviewed, and digital material seized is being analysed; the investigation into suspected trafficking, aggravated pimping and rape continues. More than 400 alleged victims or witnesses have come forward to lawyers since allegations against Al Fayed emerged publicly in 2024.