Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), along with his British partner Matthew Smith and an alleged intermediary, was arrested on sex trafficking charges. This event unfolded on a Tuesday morning, with details expected to be disclosed at a press conference by the FBI and the prosecutor’s office soon.
Both Jeffries and Smith have denied any wrongdoing through their legal representatives. Jeffries’ attorney stated that they would respond comprehensively to the allegations once the indictment is made public but emphasized their preference to address the matter in court rather than through media channels.
The FBI launched an investigation into Jeffries last year after reports surfaced alleging that he and Smith engaged in the sexual exploitation and abuse of men at events they organized in their residences in New York and hotels around the globe. A subsequent investigation revealed a well-organized operation that involved a middleman and a network of recruiters dedicated to sourcing men for these events.
https://www.cpmrevenuegate.com/vt6hstxc?key=785582df3563a5011d6a42a72f53041eh
In the wake of these revelations, a civil lawsuit was filed in New York against Jeffries and Smith, accusing them of serious charges, including sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault. The lawsuit also implicated Abercrombie & Fitch, suggesting that the company financially supported a sex-trafficking operation orchestrated by Jeffries throughout his two-decade tenure as CEO.
Under U.S. law, sex trafficking is defined as facilitating travel for an adult to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money through means of force, fraud, or coercion.
Brad Edwards, a civil lawyer representing some alleged victims, confirmed the arrests, describing them as a significant first step towards achieving justice for the numerous individuals who were exploited and abused within this long-standing sex-trafficking scheme. He attributed the arrests to diligent investigative journalism and the lawsuit filed by his firm.
The investigation conducted by the BBC gathered testimonies from 12 men who claimed to have attended or been involved in organizing events for Jeffries and Smith between 2009 and 2015. The attendees reported being recruited by a middleman identified as James Jacobson, who is now 70 years old. Jacobson has previously denied any accusations of coercive or deceptive behavior and stated he was unaware of any misconduct by others.
https://www.cpmrevenuegate.com/vt6hstxc?key=785582df3563a5011d6a42a72f53041eh
Dozens of other sources, including former household staff, were also interviewed. Some attendees shared that they were misled about the nature of the events, while others were aware that sexual activities would occur but were not fully informed about what to expect. All participants received compensation for their involvement.
Several individuals reported that the middleman or recruiters suggested potential modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch as an incentive for participation.
Following the BBC’s initial findings, Abercrombie & Fitch announced the initiation of an independent investigation into the allegations raised. However, when recently inquired about the completion of this report and whether the findings would be publicized, the company refrained from providing a response.
In addition to Jeffries and Smith, A&F has also sought to have the civil lawsuit dismissed, claiming no knowledge of the alleged sex-trafficking operations led by its former CEO, whom it is accused of having financially supported.
https://www.cpmrevenuegate.com/vt6hstxc?key=785582df3563a5011d6a42a72f53041eh
Earlier this year, a U.S. court ruled that A&F is obligated to cover the costs associated with Jeffries’ legal defense as he continues to contest the civil allegations of sex trafficking and rape. The court determined that the claims were linked to his role within the company after he filed a lawsuit against A&F for refusing to pay his legal fees.
The company, while not commenting on specific legal matters, stated in its court defense that its current leadership had no prior knowledge of the allegations until the media reached out for comments. It condemned the alleged actions of Jeffries and others, emphasizing its opposition to sexual abuse.
Jacobson, the alleged intermediary, previously asserted that he was offended by any insinuation of coercive or deceptive behavior on his part and reiterated his lack of awareness regarding any wrongdoing by others involved.
