Mohamed Al Fayed 'corrupt relationship' with Met Police alleged by former top cop

A former leading Met Police officer was told Harrods and the force had an agreement 'which benefits both us and them'

Mohamed Al Fayed and the Met Police had a “corrupt relationship” one of its former top officers has said.

Stephen Otter said he was told Harrods and the force had a special agreement “which benefits both us and them”. Mr Otter was speaking after it emerged that 19 women came forward to accuse the billionaire of attacking them.

But the Egyptian was not even arrested over the claims, which included rape, 15 sexual assaults and one of trafficking. Mr Otter said the Met would “provide additional resources at Christmas” in return for hampers and lots of drinks for the officers.

When he became commander of Kensington and Chelsea in 1999, the Met had an Mini Metro with a Harrods logo on it. He said he tried to return the car but was told by a security boss this arrangement had “been going on for a long time”.

Asked if he felt officers were corrupt, Mr Otter said: “I think they probably were.” Mr Otter said the deal would have played a “very negative part” in police probes into allegations against Al Fayed.

He added: “I just felt deeply uncomfortable with it. It felt like a corrupt relationship on both sides.” The Metropolitan Police declined to comment.

Mr Otter’s revelation came as barrister Maria Muller said she was now representing 60 women, while 200 more had made contact with claims about Al Fayed. Talking about the failure to charge him, she added: “It’s baffling and it’s very concerning.”