Trigger warning: This story contains accounts of sexual violence 

Two high-end real estate brokers in Miami and New York and their brother have been charged with sex trafficking. The brothers apparently lured dozens of women to parties under false pretences of a luxury experience. The New York Times reports, the women were then transported to various locations in the U.S. and abroad, secretly drugged and sexually assaulted and finally threatened to stay quiet.  

Using fame, money and power to commit sex trafficking

Oren Alexander and his brother Tal made a name for themselves with one of the largest real estate brokerages in the U.S. They helped land the most expensive sale in U.S. history, a $240 million penthouse, before starting their own firm. But a recent federal indictment reveals how Oren and Tal, along with Oren’s twin brother Alon had been conspiring in a sex trafficking scheme for years. The brothers used the lure of domestic and international trips to entice women they met. Then they and other men in on the scheme transported them to various locations. They then drugged, sexually assaulted and raped the women according to the indictment.  

The top state prosecutor in Miami, Katherine Fernández Rundle said: 

“Time and again we’ve seen people who use their fame, their money, their power to create opportunities to commit sexual crimes.” 

Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York stated:  

“This conduct, as alleged, was heinous. With our law enforcement partners, this office is determined to investigate and prosecute anyone who engages in sex trafficking, no matter how powerful or wealthy or famous you may be.” 

All three brothers were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and a separate count of sex trafficking of one woman by force, fraud or coercion. In addition, Oren and Alon face separate state felony charges of sexual battery connected to three separate assaults. 

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