Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, were arrested as part of a federal investigation into a global sex trafficking operation. The arrests follow allegations that the pair exploited young men at elite parties held across the U.S. and abroad.
The investigation, led by federal prosecutors and the FBI, was sparked by a 2023 BBC exposé in which several men claimed they were coerced into attending sex parties hosted by Jeffries and Smith. Many of the men said they were lured with the promise of modeling opportunities, only to find themselves in exploitative situations. A third man, James Jacobson, alleged to have acted as a recruiter, was also arrested.
Brad Edwards, the attorney representing several of the victims, described the operation as an “Abercrombie-run sex trafficking ring” that preyed on aspiring young men. He added that the arrests mark a significant step toward justice for those exploited.
Jeffries and Smith have consistently denied the allegations, with Jeffries’ legal team stating that they plan to challenge the charges in court. The FBI has not yet released the full details of the indictment, but sources indicate that the charges stem from incidents between 2009 and 2015, during which time Jeffries was still CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch.
Abercrombie & Fitch has distanced itself from Jeffries since his departure in 2014, following declining sales and controversies surrounding the brand’s exclusionary image. The company has launched its own investigation into the claims but maintains it had no knowledge of the alleged sex trafficking activities.
Victims recounted harrowing experiences of being pressured into sexual activities at exclusive events hosted by Jeffries, some in luxurious locations such as his mansion in the Hamptons. Several men claimed they were given drugs and felt unsafe during these gatherings. Many have since come forward, hoping to bring awareness to the exploitation that took place.
As the case progresses, Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson face serious charges under U.S. sex trafficking laws.
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