At least five Al Fayed survivors confirmed as modern slavery victims
The UK Home Office has formally recognized at least five women abused by Mohamed Al Fayed as victims of modern slavery. This status, granted through the National Referral Mechanism, acknowledges their exploitation within Harrods and domestic settings.
Why it matters
This legal recognition validates survivor testimonies and may significantly impact ongoing criminal investigations and civil proceedings against the late Mohamed Al Fayed's estate.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Hundreds of women have accused Al Fayed of rape, sexual assault and trafficking
At least five women who were abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have been formally recognised by the Home Office as victims of modern slavery.
The BBC revealed in April that Rachel Louw, who has waived her right to anonymity, had become the first woman known to receive such a decision.
Since then, at least four other women have received positive "conclusive grounds" decisions recognising them as victims of modern slavery, with more expected to follow, according to PA Media.
The latest cases include women who were trafficked internationally and within the UK, including one case in which the trafficking took place entirely within Harrods.
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