Mike Jeffries, former head of a major fashion brand, has been arrested along with his partner, Matthew Smith, over alleged sex trafficking charges.
- The arrests follow an FBI investigation and involve a purported middleman and a network of recruiters.
- Allegations include sexual exploitation during events at New York residences and international hotels.
- A civil lawsuit in New York accuses Jeffries of leading a sex trafficking operation funded by the fashion brand.
- The retailer claims no prior knowledge of these allegations and condemns the reported actions.
In a significant legal development, Mike Jeffries, formerly the chief executive of a well-known fashion retailer, was arrested alongside his partner, Matthew Smith. The arrests, carried out this morning, were part of an extensive probe by law enforcement authorities into allegations of sex trafficking, a charge both parties have refuted through their legal representatives.
The investigation, spearheaded by the FBI, was initiated last year following revelations by a major broadcaster. The allegations detailed a sophisticated operation allegedly orchestrated by Jeffries and his partner, featuring a middleman and a recruitment network tasked with bringing men to particular events. These events were reportedly held in exclusive locations such as Jeffries’ New York residences and luxury hotels around the globe.
An additional layer of legal proceedings is unfolding in New York where a civil lawsuit has been initiated, accusing Jeffries and Smith of heinous crimes including sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault. Notably, the lawsuit extends its accusations to implicate the fashion brand, suggesting that during Jeffries’ tenure, company resources potentially facilitated the illicit trafficking operation.
Legal representative Brad Edwards, acting for several alleged victims, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating the arrests mark a crucial step towards justice for numerous individuals reportedly abused under the guise of legitimate operations led by Jeffries.
Responding to the allegations, the fashion retailer has distanced itself from the controversy, asserting that its current leadership was previously unaware of the accusations prior to media inquiries. The company has officially denounced the alleged actions, stressing its firm stance against any form of sexual abuse.
The unfolding legal proceedings and investigations are poised to shed further light on these serious allegations.
