AssetID: 55247567
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: French Police Open Sex-Trafficking Investigation Into Mohamed Al Fayed
Caption: French Police Open Sex-Trafficking Investigation Into Mohamed Al Fayed. French authorities have launched an investigation into alleged sex-trafficking linked to the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who died two years ago. The Paris prosecutor’s office ordered the probe into “aggravated human trafficking with multiple victims,” as well as prostitution and one alleged case of rape. Al Fayed’s Ritz Hotel in Paris is expected to be a key focus, following claims that hotel staff were aware of or helped facilitate the abuse. The Ritz said it was “deeply alarmed” by the allegations and pledged full cooperation with investigators. The investigation was triggered by American woman Pelham Spong, who said Al Fayed sexually assaulted her in his London office after recruiting her for work in Monaco. Spong said she only recently realized she was a victim of trafficking, describing Al Fayed’s operations as “a pattern, a system, and a machine.” Her lawyer, Anne-Claire Le Jeune, said prosecutors’ decision to open an investigation was “a big step” and that Spong’s case is strong due to extensive documentation. The allegations were first revealed in a BBC documentary and podcast in 2024, reigniting scrutiny of Al Fayed’s long history of alleged sexual abuse. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Mohamed Al Fayed,Pelham Spong,Ritz Hotel Paris,sex trafficking,Paris prosecutor,Anne-Claire Le Jeune,BBC investigation,rape allegations,human trafficking,France
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