Arrests made in Mohamed Al Fayed probe in France, police say

What the report says

French police have made arrests after searching three properties linked to the investigation into alleged abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed, according to the BBC and information shared with survivors by the Metropolitan Police. The searches took place on 13 and 14 October and included the Ritz hotel in Paris, the Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez and Villa Windsor in Paris. British officers were present, suggesting a joint operation between French and UK authorities.

The BBC reported that this is the first time arrests have been made in connection with allegations involving the former Harrods and Ritz Paris owner, who died in 2023. French authorities told the Met that several victims had been interviewed and that the case remains under the direction of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office. They also said suspects were briefly held so investigators could review digital material seized during the searches.

The case has expanded since a BBC documentary and podcast aired allegations from more than 20 women in September 2024. Since then, more than 400 alleged victims or witnesses have come forward to lawyers, according to the article. Survivor groups welcomed the latest development and urged investigators to look at other Al Fayed properties as well. The reports underline how the inquiry has moved from allegations into a wider criminal investigation, with questions still focused on who may have enabled or concealed the abuse.