The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that their investigation into allegations of sexual assault against the late Mohamed Al Fayed has reached a new stage. Detectives have officially submitted a comprehensive file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). This move follows a series of public allegations made against the former Harrods owner, who died in 2023.

The submission of the file is a standard procedural step in the British legal system. It signals that police have concluded their initial investigative phase and are now seeking a formal legal assessment from prosecutors. The CPS will evaluate the evidence to decide whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction and if a prosecution is in the public interest. Because Al Fayed is deceased, the legal implications of this process differ from cases involving living defendants, as criminal proceedings cannot be brought against a person who has passed away. However, the investigation remains significant for the survivors seeking formal recognition of their claims.

While the police have confirmed the transfer of the file, they have not provided specific details regarding the number of complainants or the specific nature of the allegations included in the report. The investigation was launched following renewed scrutiny of Al Fayed’s conduct after his death, which prompted numerous women to come forward with accounts of abuse during his tenure at Harrods. The CPS has not yet provided a timeline for their decision-making process.