Investigative Journalist's Three-Year Quest Uncovers Sex Trafficking Scandal Involving Ex-Abercrombie CEO

A federal investigation has resulted in sex trafficking charges against Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, based on a comprehensive investigation initiated by journalist Rianna Croxford. The probe revealed a network of abuse involving young men and allegations of coercion and fraud, marking a significant breakthrough in exposing exploitation in the fashion world.

In a New York federal courtroom, I found myself face to face with Mike Jeffries, the former high-profile CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch. For the past three years, my investigation, which began during the pandemic, had focused on the troubling allegations surrounding him. This week, thanks to my reporting, Jeffries was apprehended by the FBI and now faces charges of running an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring alongside his British partner, Matthew Smith, and associate James Jacobson.

The breakthrough for these charges came from my podcast series, "The Abercrombie Guys," where I unearthed crucial evidence linking Jeffries and Smith to a sophisticated operation that exploited young men. Described as both a visionary and eccentric, Jeffries now appeared in court aged 80, having succumbed to the effects of time, wearing an ankle monitor as he faced accusations from US prosecutors of forcibly coercing men into sexual acts from 2008 to 2015. If convicted, he and his associates could face life imprisonment.

Reflecting on how this investigation unfolded, it all began with a single cryptic Instagram comment from former model Barrett Pall in January 2021. He openly shared the horrors of his experience, detailing how he was subjected to abuse under the guise of the modeling industry. His candid revelations marked the start of an arduous two-year journey, where I traveled across the country, hunting for other victims and piecing together a sordid narrative absent from public discussion.

As I delved deeper, I encountered countless fears and doubts among potential sources, including ex-models who were wary of speaking out against someone's significant influence. Adopting classic investigative techniques, such as door-to-door inquiries and letter-writing, I forged connections and built trust. A pivotal moment came when Pall's old iPad revealed documented evidence of one of the trafficked events he had attended, solidifying the timeline of abuse.

Numerous individuals recounted pressure and manipulation to attend sexual events disguised as modeling opportunities. Many felt deep shame and silence stemming from same-sex abuse, leading to prolonged suffering. Insight into the operation was further enhanced when Jacobson, the middleman, reluctantly shared details after pleading for discretion.

As we published our investigation in October 2023, a wave of legal action emerged from the identified victims against Jeffries, Smith, and Abercrombie & Fitch, claiming over 100 instances of abuse facilitated by the duo. With ongoing independent law enforcement inquiries, the resilience of these victims is becoming increasingly evident.

Reflecting on the challenges of this investigation, Barrett Pall described how his intuition led him to entrust me with his story. US attorney Breon Peace warned, "To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others... prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison," highlighting the serious ramifications of the allegations against Jeffries. The story has illuminated a grave dark side of the glamorous fashion industry, exposing the depths of exploitation and abuse that were long hidden from public view.