**
In a harrowing confirmation by the Home Office, at least five survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by the former Harrods owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed, have been officially recognized as victims of human trafficking. These individuals, whose experiences span both domestic and international trafficking, have received positive conclusive grounds decisions from the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the UK’s formal system for identifying modern slavery victims.
Conclusive Grounds Decisions and Survivor Stories
The NRM serves as a critical framework for identifying victims of modern slavery, encompassing categories such as human trafficking, forced labour, and servitude. When a potential victim is referred to the NRM, the Single Competent Authority (SCA) of the Home Office assesses the case to determine if the individual qualifies as a modern slavery victim.
Reports emerged in April 2026, initially highlighting one survivor who had received a positive decision. Since then, four additional members of the advocacy group No One Above—identified only by pseudonyms Justine, Elizabeth, Margo, and Isabella—have also been confirmed as victims. Their cases, which date back to the 1990s, illustrate a disturbing pattern of abuse that persisted well after Al-Fayed sold Harrods in 2010.
Justine, who worked at Harrods for over three years, recounted her “shell-shocked” reaction upon receiving her conclusive grounds decision in June. “It’s not something I realised was happening to me at the time,” she remarked, reflecting on the difficult journey of revisiting her past. This decision, she stated, acts as “concrete confirmation” from the Home Office that the survivors were victims of human trafficking—a narrative that stands in stark contrast to Harrods’ assertion that the abuse stemmed from the actions of a single individual.
The Broader Network of Abuse
Elizabeth, another survivor, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that all victims in this case are interconnected through a systemic network of trafficking. She argued, “You can’t say that victim A wasn’t trafficked and victim B was.” Her comments highlight a troubling misconception, particularly within law enforcement, that trafficking is confined to international borders.
Margo, who worked as a domestic employee for Al-Fayed, shared her experience of being recruited through a letting agency. Initially unaware of the concept of domestic trafficking, she now understands that the abuse extended far beyond the confines of Harrods. “Everywhere he went, he had enablers,” she stated, illustrating the extensive reach of Al-Fayed’s exploitation across various properties and businesses.
Isabella, who worked in the chairman’s office at Harrods in 2001, provided insight into the extensive network that facilitated Al-Fayed’s actions. She emphasized that the abuse was not merely a reflection of one man’s predatory behaviour but involved a broader array of perpetrators connected to Al-Fayed’s various enterprises, from his properties in France and Monaco to his businesses in the United States and the UAE.
Ongoing Investigations and the Fight for Justice
The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating over 400 allegations of sexual misconduct against Al-Fayed, covering incidents from 1977 to 2014. The inquiry, dubbed Operation Cornpoppy, is focused on those who may have enabled or facilitated his crimes. As of now, the investigation has led to the questioning of four individuals, nearly 19 months since it was initiated.
The survivors have received support from Unseen UK, the charity responsible for their referral to the NRM. This organization has played a vital role in ensuring that victims receive the necessary assistance and recognition they deserve.
Why it Matters
The confirmation of these survivors as victims of human trafficking underscores the urgent need for systemic change in how such cases are understood and addressed. It challenges the narrative that isolates the perpetrator’s actions, revealing a complex web of complicity that extends far beyond individual misdeeds. As investigations continue, the revelations from these brave individuals shine a necessary light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking and the often-hidden networks that allow such exploitation to thrive. Recognising their experiences is crucial not only for justice but also for fostering a broader awareness and understanding of modern slavery in our society.