France Searches Ritz and Villa Windsor in Probe Into Late Al Fayed

French authorities searched the Ritz Hotel and Villa Windsor in Paris and the Villa Sainte-Therese in Saint-Tropez as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by the late Mohamed Al Fayed, the Paris public prosecutor's office said on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. British investigators were present during the operation, according to Reuters and The Observer.

The searches and evidence collection were carried out in mid-October 2026. Several people were temporarily placed in police custody after questioning, and investigators seized digital material during the searches. Those taken into custody have since been released while the investigation continues. The Times, reporting the Paris prosecutor's statement, said at least five people were detained for questioning. The Observer said it understands that no current member of the Ritz Paris staff was arrested.

What prosecutors said

The Paris prosecutor's office said several victims have been interviewed by French investigators. "At this stage of the case, several victims have been interviewed by French investigators. The investigations are being conducted in co-ordination with British authorities. As part of this process, searches and evidence collection were carried out in mid-October 2026," the office said, in comments reported by The Observer.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that its officers travelled to France in October and were present during the operation. The force said investigations are continuing in coordination between French and British authorities.

The scope of the French case

In France, a preliminary investigation was announced last year, in 2025, by a specialist anti-trafficking force. The Observer reported that the investigation covers allegations of rape, human trafficking committed by an organised crime group and aggravated pimping committed by an organised crime group. Those are allegations under investigation. They are not findings of guilt.

Ritz Paris issued a statement reported by The Observer. "The safety, dignity and well-being of our colleagues and guests are paramount. Ritz Paris stands ready to cooperate fully with the relevant judicial authorities," the hotel said.

Background to the allegations

Mohamed Al Fayed died in 2023 at the age of 94. Neither Mohamed Al Fayed nor his brother Salah Al Fayed, who died in 2010, was charged with a crime relating to the allegations against them.

Since Mohamed Al Fayed's death and the 2024 BBC documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, more than 400 allegations have been made of sexual misconduct against Mohamed and Salah Al Fayed, according to The Observer. The allegations include claims that a network around the brothers facilitated drugging, raping and trafficking of women. At least 157 people have reported allegations relating to the Fayed brothers directly to the Metropolitan Police taskforce known as Operation Cornpoppy, The Observer reported.

Harrods, which Al Fayed sold in 2010, apologised in 2024 after more than 20 women told the BBC that the billionaire had sexually abused them, with some alleging rape, Reuters reported. The French searches show the case now has an active investigative step in France as well as in Britain, with prosecutors in Paris confirming the raids, the custody questioning and the seizure of digital material while inquiries continue.