Police Open Investigation Into Sir Mo Farah Trafficking Claims
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they have launched an investigation into reports that Mo Farah was illegally trafficked into the United Kingdom 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 an upcoming documentary 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.
The new documentary, Farah explained that he was born in Somaliland, north of Somalia, 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’.
The Real Mo Farah also sees Farah speak to the man whose named he has ‘carried’ since coming to the UK.
In their poignant conversation, the Olympian says: "I can't believe I'm speaking to you.
"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.
He wrote on Instagram: “I’m so proud have represented Great Britain and to achieved what I have as a GB athlete.
“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.
Jess Hardiman