Scotland Yard has quizzed a man on allegations of human trafficking and facilitating rape in connection with its investigation into former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
The suspect, in his 60s, was interviewed under caution this month after 154 people came forward to report sex abuse, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detectives quizzed three women between February 25 and March 5 also on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Police said no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
The Met previously said officers had taken accounts from Al Fayed’s accusers and other witnesses over the past 18 months.
The force said information from those interviews led to the force including alleged human trafficking in its investigation.
Before any suspect was interviewed under caution, lawyers representing Al Fayed’s alleged victims urged police to treat the scandal as “trafficking allegations”.
The Met previously announced the force is investigating individuals surrounding Al Fayed who could have enabled him to carry out more than 400 sexual misconduct crimes, which are claimed to have spanned decades between 1977 and 2014.
Multiple women have accused Al Fayed, who owned the luxury department store between 1985 and 2010, of rape and sexual assault. He died in 2023 aged 94.
At the time of many of the alleged attacks, Fayed was the owner of Harrods, the Ritz Paris hotel and Fulham FC.
Commander Angela Craggs said: “Victims remain at the centre of this investigation.
“Today’s update marks an important step in a complex and far reaching investigation.
“While Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution, we have always been determined to bring anyone who is suspected to have played a part in his offending to justice.
“We encourage anyone with information, whether you were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed actions or have concerns about others who may have been involved or committed offences, to contact us.
“We will share further updates when we are able to do so and only when this will not risk jeopardising criminal or other proceedings.”
Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
