Former Abercrombie CEO Faces Sex Trafficking Charges

Mike Jeffries, ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, faces charges for allegedly orchestrating a global sex trafficking scheme during his tenure. Accusations include coercion of men under false pretenses for sexual exploitation. Jeffries and associates could face lengthy prison sentences if convicted of the charges.

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, stands accused of running an international sex trafficking ring, a scandal which may tarnish the legacy he built at the popular clothing retailer. On Friday, Jeffries appeared in court in Central Islip, New York, to answer to 16 serious criminal charges.

Jeffries, along with his employee James Jacobson and partner Matthew Smith, allegedly solicited and paid men to travel for illicit purposes, prosecutors say. The U.S. federal indictment reveals that victims were misled into believing they might secure modeling contracts, only to be exploited for sex.

The sordid details include allegations of victims being coerced into using drugs and signing nondisclosure agreements, with some facing significant trauma. If convicted, Jeffries and co-defendants could face substantial prison sentences, echoing serious allegations previously reported by the BBC and in private lawsuits.

(With inputs from agencies.)