The Metropolitan Police has been accused of sending notes about an alleged sexual abuse victim of Mohammed Al Fayed to another alleged victim in a serious data breach.
Joanna Brittan, who says she was trafficked and abused by the former Harrods boss and a business associate, told the BBC that her police statement was sent to another woman who had also made allegations against Fayed. The force has acknowledged the mistake and apologised, but Brittan described it as an “appalling error” that has left her distressed and fearful for her safety.
“Joanna Brittan, an alleged victim of Mohammed Al Fayed, says the Met Police sent her personal statement to another alleged victim in a serious data breach. The force has apologised and launched an internal review.”
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the Met’s handling of sensitive information in high-profile cases. Brittan’s alleged abuse dates back to the 1980s, and she is one of several women who have come forward since Al Fayed’s death in 2023. The force said it had launched an internal review into how the data breach occurred and was contacting those affected.
While the error occurred in London, it has implications across the UK as police forces increasingly manage digital records of sexual offence victims. The case highlights the vulnerability of personal data in criminal investigations, with victims often sharing deeply intimate details that require the highest level of confidentiality.
Sandra Paul, a lawyer representing Brittan, said the breach was “unacceptable” and called for a full investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office. The Met has not confirmed whether the ICO has been notified, but said it had “immediately” taken steps to retrieve the misdirected information and prevent further dissemination.
Scotland Yard has promised to review its data-sharing protocols, but Brittan’s case is likely to fuel demands for stronger safeguards for victims of sexual offences. A spokesperson said: “We understand the distress this has caused and have apologised to those involved. We are committed to learning from this mistake.”
What This Means For You: If you have reported a crime to the police, especially a sexual offence, this case underscores the importance of data protection. You can request confirmation of how your personal information is stored and shared. If you believe your details have been mishandled, you can complain to the force’s professional standards department and the Information Commissioner’s Office, which can order remedial action or fines.