French arrests: Al Fayed trafficking probe intensifies
Police detained multiple suspects following searches of the Ritz and other properties, marking the first formal detentions in the case.
By Harper Collins ·
More than 400 people have contacted lawyers since September 2024, when a wave of accusations against late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed first broke. That volume of outreach has culminated in French authorities making several arrests as part of an ongoing inquiry into abuse and trafficking.
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that multiple individuals were taken into custody for questioning last month. Although the suspects were subsequently released, these detentions represent the first formal actions of this kind connected to the case since the allegations gained widespread attention. The legal steps followed searches conducted on October 13 and 14, 2026.
Officers examined three specific sites during those two days. The locations included the Ritz hotel in central Paris, the Villa Windsor in the 16th arrondissement, and the Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez. The Metropolitan Police stated that its officers were present during the operations, indicating a joint effort between British and French law enforcement agencies.
Investigators described the searches as part of a preliminary investigation into human trafficking, aggravated pimping by an organized group, and rape. They have seized digital material from the properties and are currently analyzing the data. French investigators also interviewed several victims of Al Fayed during this phase of the proceedings. Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94, bought the Ritz in 1979. The property remains under the ownership of his family. The Villa Windsor, a family holiday home, was previously the residence of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.
The current inquiry builds on disclosures from a BBC documentary and podcast that featured more than 20 women. One survivor described being assaulted at the Ritz, while another reported being raped at the Villa Windsor. Separately, Police Scotland is investigating the Balnagown Estate, which was owned by Al Fayed's brother, Salah Fayed. Salah died in 2010 without facing charges. A spokesperson for the force said three people have been identified in connection with offending against a number of victims, though inquiries are ongoing.
Advocacy groups have responded to the developments in France. The Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group welcomed the cooperation between the Met and French authorities. They urged that all properties owned by Al Fayed be investigated with similar thoroughness to identify those who facilitated or concealed the offending. The group No One Above noted that France is treating the case as organized human trafficking led by specialists. They pointed out that survivors are still waiting for similar progress from the Metropolitan Police in the UK and called for the National Crime Agency to take over the investigation.
The management of the Ritz Paris told the AFP news agency that the hotel does not tolerate any form of harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behavior. They stated that they are ready to cooperate fully with the competent judicial authorities as the investigation continues under the direction of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office.
