Sophia is working in Harrods and is spotted by Mohamed Al Fayed. She’s handed an incredible career opportunity. Soon she moves to work with her billionaire boss in his executive suite. Not everything is as it seems.

On the shop floor, Mohamed Al Fayed is known for the way he makes a dramatic entrance, flanked by security guards. “He’s coming, he’s coming”, staff call out, as they spring to attention. Celebrity customers in the 1990s, like pop superstar Michael Jackson, are shopping in the store.

This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.

This episode was updated on 16/05/2025. Details can be found here https://www.bbc.co.uk/helpandfeedback/corrections_clarifications

Season 4 of World of Secrets, Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods, is a Long Form Audio production for the BBC World Service.

Presenters: Shaimaa Khalil and Cassie Cornish-Trestrail