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Hotel Princess Diana left moments before she died and French bolthole King Edward moved to after he abdicated are searched in Al Fayed trafficking probe
French authorities searched the Ritz Paris and two other properties as part of an investigation into alleged human trafficking, rape and aggravated pimping linked to Mohamed Al Fayed. British investigators joined the searches, several people were placed in police custody and digital equipment was seized.
The other locations were Villa Windsor, where Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson lived after his abdication, and Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez, formerly owned by Al Fayed. Prosecutors said several alleged victims had been interviewed and the investigation was continuing with British authorities. Since allegations first gained public attention in 2024, hundreds of women and girls have accused Al Fayed and his late brother Salah of sexual abuse; campaigners are urging investigators to examine properties in Britain as well.
In short
- French authorities searched three properties linked to Mohamed Al Fayed.
- British investigators took part, and digital equipment was seized.
- Campaigners want searches extended to properties in Britain.
Explained simply
Mohamed Al Fayed was an Egyptian-born businessman who owned Harrods and the Ritz Paris. After allegations of sexual abuse by him became public in 2024, hundreds of women and girls came forward; his late brother Salah has also been accused. The claims are being examined by investigators and have not all been tested in court.
The Ritz Paris is a hotel, while Villa Windsor and Villa Sainte-Thérèse are private properties with past links to the people in the case. Edward VIII, later known as the Duke of Windsor, lived at Villa Windsor with Wallis Simpson after giving up the throne in 1936. The investigation matters to alleged victims and to questions about whether evidence and possible witnesses can be found across properties in France and Britain.