Former Abercrombie CEO Arrested on Trafficking Charges

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, was arrested alongside his partner Matthew Smith and associate James Jacobson on Tuesday in Florida for alleged involvement in an international sex trafficking ring from 2008 to 2015. The indictment claims they coerced young men into sexual activities under the guise of modeling opportunities, with victims reportedly receiving cash payments after participating in events supervised by Jeffries' staff. This arrest follows a series of investigations, including a BBC documentary that exposed Jeffries' exploitative practices. Jeffries, who led Abercrombie from 1992 to 2014, is known for his controversial marketing strategies, which were criticized for being exclusionary and promoting a hyper-sexualized image. Legal representatives for Jeffries and Smith have denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The case highlights a significant downfall for Jeffries, once celebrated for transforming Abercrombie into a billion-dollar brand targeting teenagers.