Overview
- The Home Office and the National Referral Mechanism have officially recognised at least four women who accused Mohamed Al‑Fayed of sexual abuse as victims of human trafficking or modern slavery.
- The recognitions were issued in recent months, with four complainants identified between May and July and an earlier Home Office finding for Rachael Louw reported in April.
- The Metropolitan Police investigation known as Operation Cornpoppy remains active as officers probe whether other people helped recruit, move or facilitate access to victims; several people have been questioned but no arrests have been announced.
- Harrods has offered institutional apologies and a compensation programme for former staff, and survivor groups Unseen UK and No One Above say the NRM decisions strengthen calls for accountability and civil claims.
- NRM recognition means survivors can get specialised support and it can shape evidence used in criminal and civil processes, so the decisions could expand investigations into facilitators and affect victims’ access to remedy.