Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been arrested in Florida on serious charges of sex trafficking and forced prostitution.

The indictment reveals that the events involved drug use, sexual acts without consent, and intimidation tactics to silence witnesses.

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized that this case serves as a stark warning against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the fashion industry.

The arrests followed a 2023 BBC investigation that uncovered the abuse and highlighted the importance of journalism in bringing these allegations to light.

Attorneys representing victims hailed the arrests as a significant step towards justice, emphasizing the need to hold Abercrombie & Fitch accountable for its alleged role in facilitating these abuses.

The allegations detail a disturbing pattern of recruiting young male models from 2008 to 2015, who were coerced into attending parties where they were drugged and sexually exploited.

Prosecutors allege that the operation, which lasted for several years, involved at least 15 victims, many of whom were financially vulnerable and aspiring models.

Victims were often misled about the nature of these events, believing participation would boost their modeling careers, and were required to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Jeffries is charged alongside his boyfriend, Matthew Smith, and associate James Jacobson, who allegedly acted as a recruiter for these illicit events.

Jacobson reportedly conducted 'tryouts' where male recruits had to engage in sexual acts before being referred to Jeffries and Smith.

Further information regarding the case is anticipated, with prosecutors expected to release more details soon.

Jeffries and Jacobson were released on bonds of $10 million and $500,000, respectively, while Smith was ordered detained due to being a flight risk.