French authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into sex-trafficking allegations tied to the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who passed away two years ago. The probe, ordered by the Paris prosecutor’s office, centers on potential aggravated human trafficking involving multiple victims, alongside allegations of prostitution and rape. The investigation is expected to scrutinize Al Fayed’s Ritz Hotel in Paris, following claims that staff were complicit in or aware of the abuse of women. In response, the Ritz Hotel issued a statement expressing deep concern and pledging full cooperation with authorities. This investigation adds a new chapter to the ongoing legal battles surrounding Al Fayed’s alleged violent crimes and the quest for justice for his victims. Pelham Spong, a 40-year-old American woman, played a pivotal role in triggering the investigation. She alleges that Al Fayed relocated young female staff from the Ritz to his private residences and yachts across the Mediterranean. Spong, who worked briefly for the Al Fayed family in 2008, claims she was subjected to invasive medical examinations and sexual assault. She only recently recognized herself as a victim of sex trafficking after understanding the systemic nature of the abuse. Spong’s lawyer, Anne-Claire Le Jeune, believes her client’s case is strong due to the extensive evidence she has preserved. Meanwhile, Al Fayed is also under investigation in the UK, where over 140 individuals have reported him to the Metropolitan Police. The extent of his predatory behavior was first exposed in a 2024 BBC documentary, which prompted dozens more women to come forward. Despite numerous allegations, Al Fayed was never charged before his death. Harrods, the luxury department store he once owned, has allocated over £60 million to compensate alleged victims, emphasizing its commitment to preventing such behavior in the future.