French police made arrests after raiding three properties linked to late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed in connection with an investigation into sexual abuse and trafficking. The searches occurred in mid-October at the Ritz hotel in Paris, Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez, and Villa Windsor in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Several individuals were taken into custody for questioning and later released, the Paris public prosecutor's office said. Officers from the organised crime division interviewed several alleged victims.
The Paris prosecutor's office said the investigation concerns "allegations of human trafficking committed by an organised group, aggravated pimping committed by an organised group, and rape." Metropolitan Police officers from Britain were present during the searches on 13 and 14 October in a coordinated operation with French investigators. Digital material seized is being analysed, the prosecutor added.
Survivor groups say more than 500 women have come forward about abuse at locations including Harrods, the Ritz Paris, and Fulham football club. The Metropolitan Police is investigating 169 victims who contacted the force directly. Pelham Spong, who said she was trafficked in Paris on Fayed's orders in 2008, told French investigators last November that Fayed offered her a salary of 65,000 euros annually if she slept with him.
The Ritz Paris said it "does not tolerate any form of harassment, abuse or inappropriate behaviour" and was ready to cooperate with judicial authorities.