Home Office formally recognizes Al Fayed abuse survivor as modern slavery victim

The UK Home Office has officially acknowledged Rachael Louw as a victim of modern slavery following abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed and his brother Salah.

This is the first time the government has issued a "conclusive grounds" decision in relation to allegations against the former Harrods owner and his brother.

Rachael Louw, who has waived her right to anonymity, was found to have been trafficked and sexually exploited in the UK and multiple areas of France over a three-year period.

The Home Office's decision confirms her status as a confirmed victim of modern slavery under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

This recognition is significant as it lends credibility to Louw's testimony and may impact ongoing police investigations into the abuse.

Several other women have made similar applications to the NRM, with comparable rulings expected soon.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 defines human trafficking as arranging or facilitating the travel of another person within a country or across borders for exploitation.

Hundreds of women have accused Mohamed Al Fayed and his brother Salah Fayed of rape, sexual assault, and trafficking.

Mohamed Al Fayed died in 2023 aged 94, and Salah Fayed died in 2010; neither faced charges.

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