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Rabat – Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has been arrested, alongside his British partner Matthew Smith, on charges of sex trafficking. The pair are accused of exploiting young male models at lavish events in the US and overseas, promising job opportunities with the fashion brand while subjecting the men to abuse.
The arrests, which also included an alleged middleman, James Jacobson, come after a year-long investigation by US prosecutors and the FBI. Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014, and his partner have previously denied any wrongdoing. Abercrombie & Fitch has declined to comment.
Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said during a press conference that the indictment alleges Jeffries and Smith subjected men to “invasive and violent sexual contact” without their consent. Peace described the operation as well-organized and heavily funded to ensure secrecy.
According to the charges, the men used “force, fraud and coercion” to manipulate their victims, who were led to believe attending these events could help secure modelling opportunities with the brand. The indictment also claims that some victims were drugged during these encounters.
This case has been hailed as a significant step towards justice for the alleged victims. Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing several of the men, described the scheme as “one of the most organised sex trafficking operations in US history.”
The allegations span several years, with eight men initially coming forward to the BBC to share their experiences at parties held in cities like New York, London, Paris, and Marrakech between 2009 and 2015. Many claimed they were pressured into sexual acts either with Jeffries, Smith, or other attendees.
The case has prompted more individuals to come forward with similar accusations of abuse. Abercrombie & Fitch, which posted $1 billion in sales last year, has condemned the allegations, stating it has “zero tolerance for abuse, harassment or discrimination of any kind.”
