French police search Ritz Paris in Mohamed Al Fayed trafficking investigation

French authorities searched three properties last month, including the Ritz hotel in Paris, as part of an investigation into human trafficking and sexual abuse linked to the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed. The Daily Mail and the Guardian both reported that arrests were made during the operation, with the Guardian noting that several people were taken into custody for questioning and later released, citing the Paris public prosecutor's office. France 24 reported that prosecutors confirmed the searches were part of an investigation into a suspected international network trafficking women for Al Fayed. [1][2][4]

The searches targeted luxury locations linked to Al Fayed. The Guardian reported that police searched the Ritz hotel, a second property in Paris, and a property in Saint-Tropez. SRN News and StreetInsider both reported that the Villa Windsor was among the sites searched. The Daily Mail noted that British investigators joined French forces to carry out the raids. [1][4][5][6]

Mohamed Al Fayed was the former owner of Harrods in London and Fulham Football Club, as reported by the Daily Mail. He died in 2023 at the age of 94. Since his death, hundreds of women and girls have alleged that they were sexually abused by him and by Salah Al Fayed, who died in 2010. [1]