French law enforcement conducted raids on multiple properties in mid-October in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and human trafficking involving Mohamed Al Fayed. The operations targeted the Ritz hotel in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez, and Villa Windsor in the 16th arrondissement. British Metropolitan police officers participated in a coordinated investigation with French authorities.
The Paris prosecutor’s office indicated that the inquiry focuses on charges including human trafficking by an organized group, aggravated pimping carried out collectively, and rape. Several individuals were taken into custody for questioning and subsequently released, while alleged victims were interviewed by officers from the organized crime division. Digital materials collected during the searches are currently undergoing analysis as the investigation continues.
Several properties raided hold historical significance. Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez is among the French Riviera’s most exclusive residences and was visited by Diana, Princess of Wales, in summer 1997 at the beginning of her relationship with Dodi Fayed. Villa Windsor, the other searched property, previously served as a residence for Charles de Gaulle before his presidency and later housed King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson following his abdication.
Advocacy groups representing Fayed’s alleged victims have called for expanded investigations in the United Kingdom. Organizations including Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors, along with the collective No One Above, urged British authorities to conduct similar searches of properties within Britain where survivors claim abuse occurred. According to these groups, over 500 women have reported alleged abuse at various locations including Harrods, a property on Park Lane, Fulham football club, and the Paris Ritz. The Metropolitan Police is currently investigating 169 victims who have made direct contact with the force.
The Ritz Paris stated it maintains zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, or inappropriate conduct and pledged full cooperation with judicial authorities involved in the investigation.
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