Heavy Allegations Against Former Abercrombie CEO: Global Sex Trafficking Network Exposed

The U.S. Attorney's Office has leveled serious accusations against former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries. He is accused of having established a global network for sexual exploitation. Jeffries allegedly lured dozens of young male models, often against their will, to New York and other locations for sexual acts. According to the indictment, the 80-year-old, along with his partner Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, who allegedly acted as a recruiter, operated a company aimed at satisfying Jeffries' sexual desires. The men were reportedly lured with promises of appearances in Abercrombie advertisements, said Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The network is said to have extended far beyond the 15 victims named in the indictment. While Smith is considered a flight risk and may remain in custody, the other defendants could be released on bail, provided a judge agrees. Jeffries' lawyer, Brian Bieber, announced that he would comment in detail on the allegations once the indictment is made public. Attorneys for Smith and Jacobson have so far not commented. Interestingly, the indictment points out that no Abercrombie resources were misused for the scheme. Jeffries, who led the fashion chain from 1992 to 2014, made Abercrombie & Fitch popular through provocative advertising campaigns featuring half-naked models. However, the brand later came under pressure when discrimination claims and declining sales came to light. Jeffries' resignation in 2014 marked the end of an era for a man who once declared that his target audience was the "cool and attractive All-American kids." Nonetheless, his rather "sharp" marketing concept significantly contributed to the brand's stock market success.