French police have initiated an investigation into alleged sex-trafficking connected to the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed. The investigation, ordered by the Paris prosecutor's office, focuses on "potential acts of aggravated human trafficking… with multiple victims," according to correspondence reviewed by the BBC. The scope also includes allegations of prostitution and one case of rape.
Investigation Details
The inquiry targets "potential acts of aggravated human trafficking" involving "multiple victims." Prostitution and one rape case are also under investigation. Mohamed Al Fayed died two years prior to the investigation's launch.
Ritz Hotel Involvement
Al Fayed's Ritz Hotel in Paris is expected to be part of the investigation. Victims have alleged that hotel staff were aware of or facilitated the abuse of women. The Ritz Hotel stated it was "deeply alarmed" by the allegations and committed to "fully" cooperating with authorities.
Pelham Spong's Report
American citizen Pelham Spong, 40, reported experiences that contributed to the launch of this investigation in France. Allegations include Al Fayed relocating young female staff from the Ritz to his private residence in Paris and to various yachts and family homes on the Mediterranean coast.
Ms. Spong applied for a personal assistant position with the Al Fayed family in Monaco in 2008, when she was 23 years old and residing in Paris. She states she was taken to London multiple times and underwent a gynecological examination. Ms. Spong alleges Al Fayed sexually assaulted her in his Park Lane office and claims he indicated the job required sexual relations with him, which she declined.
Ms. Spong reported her experiences to French police in Paris a few months prior to the investigation's announcement. Her lawyer, Anne-Claire Le Jeune, stated that Ms. Spong has maintained documentation regarding her experiences.