Investigation into complaints about Met’s handling of Al Fayed allegations

Two complaints from victim-survivors about the Met Police’s handling of allegations they made against Mohamed Al Fayed, will be investigated by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), under our direction.

We received two voluntary referrals from the force in November after two complainants raised concerns about the force’s investigations into separate allegations they each reported to the Met in 2008. 

No charges were ever brought against Mohamed Al Fayed before his death last year and the Met is currently reviewing 21 allegations that were reported to the force prior to his death. 

As part of our assessment of these referrals we have been in ongoing contact with the Met’s DPS about its review to identify if there are any further matters that may require investigation. 

IOPC Director of Operations Steve Noonan said: “Our sympathies are with all the victim-survivors who reported allegations against Mr Al Fayed.

“There is widespread public concern around this case, with a significant number of allegations reported over many years while Mr Al Fayed was still alive.

“It’s important that an investigation is carried out into these complaints to identify if there were any missed opportunities or failures by officers to properly investigate these reports made back in 2008.

“We’ve decided to direct these investigations as the Met’s ongoing review of 21 allegations means it could become much wider than two complaints, and also it will help information sharing between DPS and the on-going criminal investigation into those who potentially enabled or assisted the alleged offending.

“The complainants will be kept regularly updated throughout the investigation.”