D
amian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced federal sex trafficking charges against two real estate tycoons and their brother during a news conference in New York City on Wednesday. The accused are Oren and Tal Alexander, who allegedly used their wealth and prominent positions in ultra-luxury markets in N.Y. and Florida to traffic dozens of women over the past decade.

    According to an indictment unsealed Wednesday, the brothers repeatedly drugged, sexually assaulted, and raped women using their influence and resources. They have previously denied similar allegations made in civil court lawsuits filed earlier this year. The brothers were arrested in Miami, Florida, and are expected to be transferred to New York, where they will face charges of engaging in a sex trafficking conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.

    The indictment alleges that the Alexander brothers identified and lured women through social media, dating apps, and party promoters, promising them luxury experiences and travel. They then forcibly raped or sexually assaulted these women at pre-arranged locations, sometimes with multiple perpetrators involved. As of Wednesday, law enforcement has interviewed dozens of women who reported being victims of the Alexander brothers' alleged crimes.

    The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York described the conduct as "heinous." The accused brothers co-founded a real estate brokerage firm that operates in several luxury markets, and they stepped down from their roles in June. Their lawyer has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the evidence will show they never committed a crime.