Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and partner Matthew Smith are arrested, facing serious charges.
- The arrests come amid allegations of an extensive sex trafficking operation led by the duo.
- A civil lawsuit claims the company unknowingly funded Jeffries’ activities over two decades.
- The FBI and prosecutors are expected to provide further information at an upcoming press conference.
- Abercrombie & Fitch denies prior knowledge and condemns the alleged misconduct.
Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, along with his partner Matthew Smith, have been apprehended following accusations of involvement in a sex trafficking network. The arrests were reported by the BBC, with the FBI and prosecutors planning to disclose additional details during a forthcoming press conference. Lawyers representing Jeffries and Smith have firmly denied the allegations, stating they will address them comprehensively in court rather than through media outlets.
The allegations emerged following an FBI investigation, initiated last year, after a broadcaster highlighted concerns about the duo exploiting and abusing men at events hosted in New York and international locations. The BBC’s findings indicated a well-structured operation, orchestrated by a middleman and a network of recruiters tasked with identifying participants for these events.
Compounding the criminal charges, a civil lawsuit was filed in New York, accusing Jeffries and Smith of sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault. The lawsuit further implicates Abercrombie & Fitch, suggesting that during Jeffries’ two-decade tenure as CEO, the retailer inadvertently supported his illicit activities. Lawyer Brad Edwards, representing some of the alleged victims, remarked that these arrests represent an initial stride towards justice for those affected by this alleged trafficking scheme.
In response, Abercrombie & Fitch has stated it refrains from commenting on legal proceedings but reiterated that its current leadership was unaware of any such accusations until approached by the BBC. The company expressed strong disapproval of any sexual misconduct, explicitly condemning the alleged actions of Jeffries and associated persons.
The legal proceedings against Jeffries and Smith will be closely monitored as they unfold.
