Former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch faces sex trafficking allegations

The former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner have been arrested and face sex trafficking charges, according to the BBC.

Mike Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and the couple's alleged middleman were arrested on Tuesday morning.

The FBI and prosecutors are expected to provide more details at a press conference soon.

Lawyers for Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith have been contacted for comment. They had previously “vehemently denied” any wrongdoing by both men.

The FBI launched an investigation last year after the BBC uncovered allegations that Mike Jeffries and his partner sexually exploited and abused men at events they hosted at their New York residences and hotels around the world.

A BBC investigation found that it was a sophisticated operation involving a middleman and a network of recruiters tasked with recruiting men for the events.

Brad Edwards of the law firm Edwards Henderson, a civil attorney representing some of the alleged victims, confirmed the arrest and said, “These arrests are a great first step toward justice for the many victims exploited and abused as part of this sex trafficking scheme operated under the legitimate cover of Abercrombie for many years.

“The BBC’s unprecedented reporting, coupled with the lawsuit filed by our firm detailing the operation, are the reason for these monumental arrests. This was the result of impressive investigative journalism.”