Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, have been arrested and charged with running an international sex trafficking and prostitution operation.
US Federal prosecutors allege that Jeffries, Smith, and their middleman, James Jacobson, exploited dozens of men through coercive and abusive sexual acts at events hosted in New York and abroad.
The FBI investigation was triggered by a British state media report, which uncovered a sophisticated network involving recruiters tasked with luring men into these activities under the guise of potential modeling opportunities.
The indictment claims that Jeffries used his position, wealth, and power to fund a secretive operation that included international travel, luxury accommodations, and paid staff.
Prosecutors stated that men were subjected to force, fraud, and coercion, often pressured to consume alcohol and drugs. Jeffries and Smith allegedly directed or personally administered substances to these men during the events, and many were flown in from around the world.
Jeffries has denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyer has stated they will respond to the charges after the indictment is fully unsealed.
Following the arrests, Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Jacobson was granted a $500,000 bond. Smith remains in custody.
The case has attracted significant attention, with some victims filing a civil lawsuit accusing Jeffries of rape and sexual abuse.
Abercrombie & Fitch, now under different leadership, has distanced itself from the former CEO, stating it was unaware of the alleged conduct. The company is conducting its own independent investigation into the matter.
Hey, look over here. We got one!
See? The system works!
Now you can forget about all those important politicians and movie stars who went to that rich man’s island 😉