Former Abercrombie CEO Charged in Trafficking Scheme

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been charged with running an international sex trafficking and prostitution scheme from 2008 to 2015, involving young men lured under the pretense of modeling opportunities. Jeffries, alongside his partner Matthew Smith and recruiter James Jacobson, allegedly coerced victims using drugs and signed non-disclosure agreements to silence them. The indictment accuses the trio of hosting drug-fueled 'sex events' across various countries, manipulating the victims under the threat of their modeling careers being damaged. Jeffries, who led Abercrombie from 1992 to 2014, was released on a $10 million bond, while Smith remains detained due to flight risk concerns. Abercrombie & Fitch has distanced itself from Jeffries, emphasizing its commitment to values-driven operations. Each defendant could face significant prison time if convicted, with charges echoing a 2023 BBC investigation and previous civil allegations against Jeffries.