LONDON — The largest police force in the UK has initiated an inquiry into more than five individuals believed to have aided Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of prestigious department store Harrods, in committing over 100 alleged sexual abuse offenses, including rape, against women and girls.

In a recent announcement about the ongoing investigation, London’s Metropolitan Police revealed that they are examining the actions of unidentified people who may have enabled Al Fayed’s behavior from 1977 to 2014. The allegations against him have surged following a BBC report that aired in September, presenting accusations from multiple former Harrods employees.

According to the Metropolitan Police, an additional 90 potential victims have emerged, raising the total number of victims to 111. Legal representatives for over 400 women have contacted authorities, with the tally continuing to rise daily, as stated by police officials.

The force also confirmed that an internal review is being conducted to assess how claims regarding Al Fayed were managed while he was alive. Al Fayed, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, faced no charges during his lifetime.

Met Commander Steve Clayman reached out to those who experienced suffering at the hands of Al Fayed or others, stating that there may be various reasons preventing individuals from reporting their experiences. He emphasized that the investigation prioritizes allowing survivors to have their voices heard but is also focused on pursuing those who may have been complicit in Al Fayed’s actions.

In 2008, detectives interviewed Al Fayed regarding allegations of sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old. In subsequent years, specifically in 2009 and 2015, police provided parts of their investigation to prosecutors; however, Al Fayed was never charged with any crimes.

“We understand that past incidents may have affected public confidence in our handling of such matters, and we are committed to rebuilding that trust by addressing these allegations thoroughly and with integrity,” added Clayman.

Al Fayed, originally from Egypt, relocated to the UK during the 1960s and acquired Harrods in the mid-1980s. He sold the iconic department store in 2010 to a firm owned by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.

Michael Ward, the current managing director of Harrods, has expressed his apologies towards former employees who reported being sexually assaulted by Al Fayed. He acknowledged that it is apparent Al Fayed fostered an environment characterized by secrecy, intimidation, fears of retaliation, and sexual misconduct.