The former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, and his British partner, Matthew Smith, have been arrested and face human trafficking charges, according to BBC sources. The two men were arrested Tuesday morning, along with an alleged accomplice who allegedly played the role of a middleman.

The arrest came after an investigation launched by the FBI last year following revelations that Mike Jeffries and his partner exploited and sexually assaulted men at events they hosted at their New York residences and hotels worldwide.

According to the BBC investigation, there was a sophisticated network of middlemen and recruiters responsible for finding men for these events. Jeffries and Smith had categorically denied any involvement or wrongdoing.

The arrest was confirmed by Brad Edwards, an attorney representing some of the alleged victims. “These arrests are a tremendous first step in vindicating the many victims who were exploited and abused through this human trafficking ring, which operated for many years under the guise of Abercrombie,” he said.

The FBI and prosecutors are expected to provide more details at a news conference in the coming hours. Lawyers for Jeffries and Smith have been reached for comment but have not yet responded.