CPS Admits Twice Declining to Charge Fayed Over Sex Abuse Allegations

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has disclosed that it opted not to charge Mohamed Fayed with alleged sexual abuse on two separate occasions. This revelation comes in the wake of a BBC documentary that has prompted a surge of new allegations against the former Harrods owner.

Legal representatives for the alleged victims have reported receiving "over 150 new inquiries" since the program's broadcast. Fayed, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, had previously faced accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior towards multiple women.

It has now come to light that evidence was presented to the CPS in both 2009 and 2015. However, the agency decided against prosecution, citing a lack of "a realistic prospect of conviction." This decision has raised questions about the handling of such cases by the justice system.

In 2008, Fayed was questioned by the Metropolitan Police following allegations of sexual assault made by a 15-year-old girl at Harrods. Despite this, no charges were filed in 2009 when Sir Keir Starmer held the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Downing Street has stated that Starmer, who left the CPS in 2013, was not involved in this decision.

The CPS, under the leadership of Dame Alison Saunders, again considered charging Fayed in 2015. In subsequent years (2018, 2021, and 2023), the agency provided early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police regarding allegations against Fayed, but no full evidence files were submitted.

A CPS spokesperson explained: "We reviewed files of evidence presented by the police in 2009 and 2015. To bring a prosecution the CPS must be confident there is a realistic prospect of conviction. In each instance our prosecutors looked carefully at the evidence and concluded this was not the case."

"He said 'No, you don't have a boyfriend. I'm your boyfriend,'" adding that being kissed by him was "horrible."

The documentary has also shed light on the alleged presence of "enablers" at Harrods. A former employee, speaking anonymously, claimed that these individuals were "as guilty as Fayed because they were not just passive onlookers." This raises concerns about the corporate culture at the time and the potential for systemic issues within the organization.

Harrods has acknowledged vicarious liability for Fayed's conduct and has been settling claims brought to its attention since 2023. However, legal representatives for the alleged victims have expressed concerns about this approach. Bruce Drummond, a barrister representing 37 alleged victims, described it as "a huge conflict of interest" for Harrods to invite former or current employees to settle claims directly with the company.

The case has reignited discussions about corporate responsibility and the handling of sexual abuse allegations in high-profile cases. As more information comes to light, it is clear that this issue extends beyond a single individual and raises questions about institutional accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals in workplace environments.