// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Arrests made in Mohamed Al Fayed probe in France, police say
Hundreds of women have come forward with abuse allegations against the former Harrods and Ritz Paris owner
French police have made arrests after three properties, including the Ritz hotel in Paris, were searched in relation to an investigation into Mohamed Al Fayed's abuse.
In a confidential letter sent to survivors, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that on 13 and 14 October, French police searched three properties which resulted in a "number of arrests".
Met officers were present in what is understood to be a joint operation between British and French authorities.
It is the first time any arrests have been made in relation to alleged abuse and trafficking by the former Harrods and Ritz owner.
Mohamed Al Fayed accused of multiple rapes by staff
The Met shared this statement from French authorities with victims:
"At this stage of the proceedings, several victims have been interviewed by French investigators, and the investigations are being conducted in liaison with the British authorities.
"In this context, searches and evidence-gathering operations were carried out in mid-October 2026, notably within the Hotel Ritz in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, as well as at the Villa Sainte-Thérèse in Saint-Tropez, a former property of Mohamed Al Fayed, and at the Villa Windsor in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, in the presence of British investigators.
"Several suspects were taken into police custody, measures which were lifted following their interviews, specifically for the purpose of analyzing digital material seized during the search operations.