Al Fayed abuse should be investigated as human trafficking, says former senior Met officer
BBC World
March 4, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The late Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, is accused of facilitating a network of abuse that should be investigated as human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act. A former head of the Met’s Anti-Trafficking Unit has called for Operation Cornpoppy, which currently examines individuals who enabled Al Fayed's offending, to explicitly include trafficking charges. This would allow investigators to use additional legal tools and identify more evidence supporting victims' accounts.
Lawyers representing at least 15 women have argued that the current scope of the investigation is insufficient, potentially failing to hold "enablers" accountable. Anne, a survivor who was trafficked by Al Fayed and his brother Salah Fayed, described her ordeal as being forced into a non-existent job and stripped of her passport. She believes her case has not been adequately pursued by UK authorities, while French police have taken a more proactive approach, investigating potential trafficking offenses involving multiple victims.
The former head of the Met’s anti-trafficking unit emphasized that redefining the investigation as a trafficking case would expand its focus beyond individual accounts and enable authorities to uncover corroborative evidence. This shift in perspective could help ensure justice for survivors like Anne and Rachael Louw, another alleged victim who has waived anonymity to share her story. The legal team has urged the Met to adopt a similar approach to the French authorities, highlighting the importance of using all available investigative powers.
This case matters globally as it underscores the need for law enforcement to recognize and address human trafficking in historical cases under modern legislation. By redefining Operation Cornpoppy as a trafficking investigation, UK authorities could set a precedent for holding perpetrators and enablers accountable while providing justice for survivors. This approach not only addresses past injustices but also strengthens protections for future victims.
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/4/2026