The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, and his partner, Matthew Smith, have been charged with running an international sex trafficking operation.
They were arrested, along with an alleged recruiter, James Jacobson, on Tuesday. The accusations involve the exploitation of vulnerable men through force and manipulation.
Federal prosecutors claim Jeffries used his position and wealth to exploit these men for his personal pleasure.
He and his partner allegedly flew men to events, pressured them to take drugs, and even injected some with substances to force them to participate in sexual acts.
The prosecutors also revealed that Jeffries spent millions to keep the operation secret, with around 15 victims mentioned in the legal indictment.
Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Jacobson was released on a $500,000 bond. However, Smith has been detained.
The case came to light after a BBC investigation last year, which led to both media reports and a civil lawsuit accusing Jeffries and Smith of sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault.
In a statement, one of the prosecutors, Breon Peace, said that Mr. Jeffries used his wealth and power “to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure” and for the pleasure of his partner, Mr Smith.
The former CEO, who stepped down from his role at Abercrombie in 2014 after a series of controversies, denies the charges through his lawyer.
Abercrombie & Fitch has also distanced itself from the allegations, stating that it had no knowledge of the alleged activities and condemns any form of abuse.
The case will continue in court on Friday as the investigation unfolds.
