Al Fayed investigated over alleged sex assault at Scottish Highlands estate

Late Harrods owner described as a ‘monster’ whose case involves the ‘most horrific elements of ... Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein’

Police Scotland says a report of “non-recent sexual assault” by Mohamed Al Fayed at his former Highlands estate has been investigated.

The force said its inquiries into the report have been completed. Mr Al Fayed, who died last year, was the owner of Balnagown Estate near Tain in Easter Ross.

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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Should new information be obtained or reported to police, then further inquiries will be carried out."

The late Harrods owner was a "monster" whose case involves the "most horrific elements of ... Jimmy Savile , Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein ", his alleged victims' legal team has said.

The legal team of the alleged victims of Mohamed Al Fayed has described the former Harrods owner as a “monster” whose case involves the “most horrific elements of … Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein”The legal team of the alleged victims of Mohamed Al Fayed has described the former Harrods owner as a “monster” whose case involves the “most horrific elements of … Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein”
The legal team of the alleged victims of Mohamed Al Fayed has described the former Harrods owner as a “monster” whose case involves the “most horrific elements of … Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein” | PA

Five women alleged they had been raped by Mr Al Fayed , who was 94 when he died in August 2023, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct.

A press conference which set out the claims made against him heard there was a "systematic failure of corporate responsibility".

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Barrister Dean Armstrong KC told reporters: "And that systematic failure is on the shoulders of Harrods."

The legal team also represents women who were employed by the Paris Ritz and investigations were ongoing into "all entities that he had involvement in", including Fulham Football Club.

In a statement, Fulham said the club is "deeply troubled and concerned" about the case and were "in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected".

Mr Armstrong said compensation from Harrods for women who have claimed sexual abuse against Mr Al Fayed would be "welcome", but added: "We are not going to sit here and accept any suggestion that we are only interested in money."

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The legal team featured in a BBC documentary called Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods, where more than 20 female former employees spoke to the broadcaster as part of a special investigation, coming forward with allegations of assault and physical violence at properties in London and Paris .

Sources within Harrods have said the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Mr Al Fayed for the purpose of settling claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority.

American Attorney Gloria Allred listens as one of Mr Al Fayed's accusers, Natacha (right), who featured in 'Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods' speaks during a press conference to discuss her involvement in the investigation and the legal claim against Harrods for failing to provide a safe system of work for their employees. Photo: Yui Mok/PA WireAmerican Attorney Gloria Allred listens as one of Mr Al Fayed's accusers, Natacha (right), who featured in 'Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods' speaks during a press conference to discuss her involvement in the investigation and the legal claim against Harrods for failing to provide a safe system of work for their employees. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire
American Attorney Gloria Allred listens as one of Mr Al Fayed's accusers, Natacha (right), who featured in 'Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods' speaks during a press conference to discuss her involvement in the investigation and the legal claim against Harrods for failing to provide a safe system of work for their employees. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire | PA

It is understood Harrods has received new inquiries since the airing of the BBC documentary.

Speaking at a press conference in London on Friday, Mr Armstrong KC said he had "never seen a case as horrific as this".

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He told reporters: "This case combines some of the most horrific elements of the cases involving Jimmy Savile , Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein .

"Savile because in this case, as in that, the institution, we say, knew about the behaviour.

"Epstein because in that case, as in this, there was a procurement system in place to source the women and girls - as you know there are some very, young victims.

"And Weinstein, because it was a person at the very top of the organisation who was abusing his power.

"We will say plainly, Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster."

Mr Armstrong said the legal team has been retained by 37 of Mr Al Fayed's accusers and is "in the process of being retained by many more".

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