Key Takeaways:
– Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries was arrested in a sex trafficking investigation along with two accomplices.
– They are alleged to have operated an international sex trafficking and prostitution business targeting young men.
– The trio supposedly used their wealth and influence to keep their operations secret.
– An indictment alleges that the men enticed victims with promises of modelling opportunities.
– Abercrombie & Fitch and one of the defendants declined to comment on the charges.
– This arrest follows a civil lawsuit filed by alleged victims a year ago.
Unveiling the Scandal: Former Retail Giant CEO Busted
On Tuesday, Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, along with Matt Smith and Jim Jacobson, was arrested for allegedly running a sex trafficking and prostitution ring. The three men are charged with using their considerable resources and influence to secure young men for parties in the U.S. and internationally.
Secrets and Deceit: The Alleged International Operation
According to a 16-count indictment, the accused relied heavily on their financial assets, Jeffries’ power as CEO, and a network of employees and security authorities. Their goal was to satisfy their sexual preferences while ensuring their illegal operations remained undisclosed to the public.
Jeffries is accused of recruiting, hiring, and paying household staff who facilitated and oversaw these secretive gatherings. Additionally, it is claimed that over the last seven years, dozens of men were paid to travel globally to participate in these sex events.
Jacobson’s Role: Recruitment for the Sex Events
Jacobson is alleged to have played a significant role in scouting for participants for the sex parties. As the indictment alleges, he travelled around the United States and overseas, interviewing potential candidates. Candidates were allegedly required to engage in sex acts with Jacobson as a “tryout.”
Promises and Threats: A Path to Exploitation
The indictment further alleges that the victims were deceived. Many young men were led to believe that their attendance at these events would lead to modelling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch. Alternatively, they were told that not complying with the requests made during the sex events could negatively impact their careers.
Awaiting Trial: The Next Steps for Jeffries and Co.
The accused are charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. They will first appear in the states where they were arrested- Florida and Wisconsin. Yet, a definitive arraignment in Central Islip, Long Island, New York, is expected at a later date.
Jeffries’ legal representatives, Brian Bieber, and Joe Nascimento responded to the charges, stating they’ll address the allegations when the indictment is unsealed. Abercrombie & Fitch, as well as an attorney for Jacobson, declined requests for comments.
Exploitation Allegations: Previous Accusations Towards Jeffries
Mike Jeffries, who headed Abercrombie from 1992 to 2014, has a history of civil lawsuits claiming he exploited young men at his parties in major worldwide cities. Plaintiffs have accused Jeffries, Smith, Jacobson, and Abercrombie itself, of luring attractive young men with potential modelling opportunities only to coerce them into drug use and perform sex acts.
Rewards of Fame: The Illusion of Success
These exploitation allegations reveal a dark side of the fashion industry. Often, the aspirations of young models are used as bait leading to their exploitation.
With the arrest of these influential individuals, a clear statement has been sent out that such acts will not be tolerated. The journey to cleaning up the industry has begun, but it is far from over.