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Police Open Investigation Into Sir Mo Farah Trafficking Claims

The SPORTbible Team

Published 
| Last updated 

Police Open Investigation Into Sir Mo Farah Trafficking Claims

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they have launched an investigation into Sir Mo Farah's claim that he was illegally trafficked to the UK as a child. 

Farah had previously claimed that he had made the journey to the UK from Somalia with his parents as a refugee, but he has now revealed he was taken away from his family at a young age and flown to the country from Djibouti. 

In a documentary produced by the BBC and Red Bull Studios, the four-time Olympic gold medallist spoke of his tragic childhood, which saw him forced to work as a domestic servant. 

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The legendary runner told the BBC that his real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin and that the Mohamed Farah name was given to him by those that transported him into the country illegally. 

The Met Police has now said it will be looking into the story, saying in a statement: "We are aware of reports in the media concerning Sir Mo Farah. No reports have been made to the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) at this time. 

"Specialist officers have opened an investigation and are currently assessing the available information."

The Home Office, meanwhile, previously confirmed it would not take action against Farah after he revealed the information. 

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Farah revealed he was trafficked into the UK from Djibouti. Credit: BBC
Farah revealed he was trafficked into the UK from Djibouti. Credit: BBC

The new documentary, Farah explained that he was born in Somaliland and that his father was killed in the civil war – after which he was separated from his mother and brought to the UK 'under the name of another child called Mohamed Farah'.

In their poignant conversation, the Olympian says: "I can't believe I'm speaking to you. 

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"I've carried your name for years, and I'm very proud of what I have achieved, but I always wondered, 'where is Mohamed, is he OK?' I think about it all the time." 

Ahead of the broadcast, Farah said he created the documentary for his family. 

Sir Mo Farah opens up about his tragic childhood in the BBC documentary The Real Mo Farah. Credit: BBC
Sir Mo Farah opens up about his tragic childhood in the BBC documentary The Real Mo Farah. Credit: BBC

He wrote on Instagram: "I'm so proud have represented Great Britain and to achieved what I have as a GB athlete. 

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"But, my proudest achievement will always be being a husband and father to my amazing family. 

"I did this documentary for them, so they could understand more about the experiences that led us to becoming the family we are today. 

"Not every child will have the easiest start in life, but that doesn't mean they can’t go on to achieve their dreams. I hope you'll all watch later and I can't wait to hear what you think."

Watch The Real Mo Farah on BBC iPlayer now.

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Words by Jess Hardiman.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & BBC

Topics: Athletics, Olympics

The SPORTbible Team
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