Five Harrods Abuse Victims Recognised by UK as Victims of Modern Slavery

The UK Home Office has officially recognised five women who were sexually abused by the late former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed as victims of modern slavery. The determination was made through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the government’s official framework for identifying victims of modern slavery. Under a conclusive grounds decision, the victims have been legally recognised as having been targeted for human trafficking and exploitation, both internationally and within the UK. One case even detailed trafficking practices occurring entirely within the Harrods department store. This recognition follows the case of Rachel Louw in April, who became the first woman to receive such a ruling. Four other survivors, part of the advocacy group No One Above, have now received similar decisions. One survivor described receiving the official letter as deeply emotional, stating that seeing it confirmed in writing was shocking. Legal experts believe the NRM decisions could strengthen witness credibility in criminal proceedings and influence the direction of police investigations. The Metropolitan Police are currently conducting Operation Cornpoppy to determine whether other parties facilitated Al Fayed’s crimes. The force has expanded its investigation to include human trafficking offences, with 154 victims reporting allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. In March, police announced they had interviewed four individuals under caution regarding suspected involvement. Hundreds of women have accused Mohamed Al Fayed of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking during his ownership of Harrods from 1985 to 2010. Al Fayed died in 2023 at the age of 94 without ever facing trial.