The UK Home Office has formally recognized a survivor of Mohamed Al Fayed as a victim of modern slavery, marking a significant legal acknowledgment of exploitation linked to the late Harrods owner.
According to official documents reviewed by the BBC, the Home Office issued a conclusive grounds decision confirming that the woman was trafficked for sexual exploitation by Al Fayed and his associates. The ruling was made under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
The survivor, who has not been named, alleged that Al Fayed used his wealth and influence to coerce her into sexual servitude while she worked at Harrods in the 1990s. The Home Office's decision validates her account and grants her access to specialist support services.
This case is part of a broader pattern of allegations against Al Fayed, who died in 2023. Multiple women have come forward with similar claims of sexual abuse and exploitation, leading to calls for a public inquiry into how his conduct was enabled for decades.
The Home Office has not commented on individual cases but confirmed that all modern slavery claims are assessed on their merits. The survivor's legal team said the ruling was a 'landmark step' for justice and accountability.
