The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) and his partner have been arrested and charged with running a prostitution and international sex trafficking business.
US authorities arrested former fashion executive Mike Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and the couple’s alleged middleman – James Jacobson.
Federal prosecutors said the men used force, fraud and coercion to engage in “violent and exploitive” sexual acts.
It’s alleged that Mr Jeffries used his wealth, power and status as CEO of A&F “to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure” and for the pleasure of his partner, Mr Smith.
Mr Jeffries and his partner have previously denied any wrongdoing via their lawyers, and Mr Jeffries’ lawyer told the BBC that they would “respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed”.
A lawyer for Mr Smith has been approached for new comment. A&F declined to comment on the latest developments.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Rianna Croxford.
Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog
For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news
#BBCNews
