French Police Make First Arrests in Al Fayed Abuse Investigation
Arrests follow searches of the Paris Ritz and other properties linked to the late billionaire, marking a significant step in the joint UK-France inquiry.
By Larissa Bell ·
French authorities have made several arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of abuse and trafficking involving the late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that multiple individuals were taken into custody for questioning last month. Although these suspects were later released, the arrests represent the first formal detentions connected to the case since the allegations gained widespread attention.
The legal action follows a series of searches conducted on October 13 and 14, 2026, at three specific locations. These sites included the iconic Ritz hotel in central Paris, the Villa Windsor in the 16th arrondissement, and the Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez. The Metropolitan Police stated that its officers were present during these operations, which were understood to be a joint effort between British and French law enforcement agencies.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, the searches were part of a preliminary investigation into allegations of human trafficking and aggravated pimping committed by an organized group, as well as rape. Investigators have seized digital material from the properties, which is currently being analyzed. Several victims of Al Fayed were also interviewed by French investigators during this phase of the proceedings.
Mohamed Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94, was a prominent figure in British retail and hospitality. He purchased the Ritz Paris hotel in 1979, and the property remains under the ownership of the Al Fayed family. The Villa Windsor, another site of interest, served as a holiday home for the family and is historically notable as the former residence of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson after the king's abdication.
The current inquiry builds on a wave of public allegations that began in September 2024. At that time, a BBC documentary and podcast featured more than 20 women who accused Al Fayed of sexual assault. One survivor described being assaulted at the Ritz hotel, while another reported being raped at the Villa Windsor. Since these initial disclosures, more than 400 alleged victims or witnesses have contacted lawyers involved in the case.
Separate investigations are also underway in Scotland concerning the Balnagown Estate, which was owned by Al Fayed's brother, Salah Fayed. Salah Fayed died in 2010 without facing legal charges. A woman told BBC Scotland that she was trafficked, drugged, and held prisoner on the estate by Salah Fayed. Police Scotland announced earlier this year that it was conducting further inquiries into these allegations.
In a recent statement, a Police Scotland spokesperson noted that three people have been identified in connection with offending against a number of victims. The force said its inquiries are ongoing and that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. Both brothers have died without facing criminal charges related to the abuse allegations that have dominated the news cycle.
Advocacy groups have responded to the developments in France with a mix of relief and calls for continued action. The Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group welcomed the cooperation between the Met and French authorities. The group urged that all properties owned by Al Fayed be investigated with the same thoroughness to ensure no evidence is overlooked, hoping to identify all those who facilitated or concealed the offending.
The survivor advocacy group No One Above highlighted that France is treating the case as organized human trafficking led by specialists. The group noted that while France has searched properties and seized evidence, survivors are still waiting for similar progress from the Metropolitan Police in the UK. They called for the National Crime Agency to take over the investigation to ensure it receives the necessary focus.
The management of the Ritz Paris told the AFP news agency that the hotel does not tolerate any form of harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behavior. They stated that they are ready to cooperate fully with the competent judicial authorities as the investigation continues under the direction of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office.
