Fayed's Alleged "Fixer": New Claims in Harrods Abuse Scandal

Recent allegations have surfaced regarding Mohamed Fayed's alleged use of a female "fixer" to procure young victims, adding a new dimension to the growing scandal surrounding the late businessman. The claims come in the wake of a BBC documentary that has prompted over 100 alleged victims to come forward, accusing the former Harrods owner of various forms of abuse.

According to reports, a glamorous blonde woman, allegedly a senior executive at Harrods, would frequent affluent areas of west London, approaching young, attractive women. The "fixer" reportedly built rapport by boasting of her wealth before offering introductions to her wealthy "friend." This revelation adds to the complex history of Fayed, who was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1929 and rose to prominence in the UK business world after moving there in the 1960s.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has admitted to declining to charge Fayed twice in the past, once in 2009 and again in 2015, citing insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. This decision has drawn criticism, particularly towards Sir Keir Starmer, who was chief prosecutor in 2009. It's worth noting that Fayed's controversial tenure at Harrods, which lasted from 1985 to 2010, was marked by both business success and public scrutiny.

A 19-year-old student's account from 2013 provides insight into the alleged modus operandi. She claims to have been approached by the "fixer," taken for cocktails, and then driven to Fayed's Park Lane penthouse. The student alleges that Fayed propositioned her, offering a monthly allowance and luxury items in exchange for sexual favors. This incident occurred three years after Fayed had sold Harrods, highlighting the enduring nature of the allegations.

"In the apartment I just felt this fear and sense that it was wrong, but I was young and naive and I thought maybe this is how people get jobs."

The legal landscape surrounding these allegations is rapidly evolving. Barrister Bruce Drummond, representing 37 of Fayed's accusers, stated at a recent press conference that approximately 100 inquiries have been made to their legal team since the BBC documentary aired. This influx of cases underscores the widespread nature of the allegations against Fayed, who was also known for his ownership of Fulham Football Club from 1997 to 2013.

Further allegations have emerged, including claims of threats made to victims. One woman who accused Fayed of sexual assault was allegedly warned by his bodyguard, John Macnamara, a former Metropolitan Police officer, that she might "have an accident" if she didn't rescind her allegation. This adds a sinister layer to the already troubling accusations.

As the scandal unfolds, there are growing calls for Harrods to take responsibility for the years of alleged abuse. The luxury department store, founded in 1849 and located in the exclusive Knightsbridge area, has stated that it is "a very different organization to the one owned and controlled by Mr Fayed." However, critics argue that the institution bears some responsibility for the events that allegedly occurred under Fayed's ownership.

The ongoing revelations paint a complex picture of Mohamed Fayed's legacy, contrasting his public persona as a flamboyant businessman and owner of iconic British institutions with the darker allegations now coming to light. As investigations continue, the full extent of this scandal and its implications for both the victims and the institutions involved remains to be seen.