Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries was arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida, on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Two associates, Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, were also taken into custody in connection with the case. They are set to appear in federal courts in Florida and Wisconsin, with arraignments scheduled in New York’s Eastern District.

A federal indictment accuses Jeffries and his associates of running an “international sex trafficking and prostitution business” from 2008 to 2015, organizing “sex events” across multiple countries, including England, France, and New York. The indictment details the use of coercive tactics, where men were misled with promises of modeling opportunities and forced to comply with sexual demands. Attendees were required to sign non-disclosure agreements and surrender their personal belongings during these events.

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO who transformed Abercrombie & Fitch into a major fashion brand, was arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida, in connection with a sex trafficking and prostitution investigation.

Jeffries and his co-defendants face one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution involving 15 alleged victims. The indictment comes a year after a BBC report exposed similar allegations against Jeffries, with victims claiming they were exploited at sex parties. Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, responded by stating that they will address the charges in court, not in the media.

Attorney Brittany Henderson, representing victims in a related class action lawsuit, hailed the arrests as significant for the victims, vowing to hold both Jeffries and Abercrombie & Fitch accountable for their alleged role in the abuse.