Realtor brothers charged with over a decade of sex trafficking

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. 

Making sure “we get a good return on investment” 

Prosecutors have stated that the brothers, along with other men, discussed the women as “imports”. They would all split the costs for the lodging, flights and drugs for women who had been lured in. One message from Oren in the group’s chat said he wanted to “make sure we get a good ROI”.  

A letter to a federal judge asking that the Alexander brothers be detained without bail, prosecutors said: 

“Although the conduct in the indictment covers more than a decade, the investigation showed they had repeatedly and violently raped and sexually assaulted dozens of victims for more than 20 years.”  

Also included in the indictment is the charge that the brothers plied the women with drugs, often secretly slipping them into their drinks. The drugs listed include GHB, a so-called date-rape drug that causes loss of consciousness and memory. Prosecutors also detailed efforts by the brothers to cover up their criminal conduct. They accused women who spoke up of harassment and threatened a defamation lawsuit. They also began compiling files on women who had been publicly identified, apparently to discredit them.

Since the charges dozens of women have come forward accusing the three brothers of sexual assault. Freedom United applauds the bravery the women who have come forward and that of all survivors of sex trafficking. If you or someone you know may be a victim of sex trafficking call the National Human Trafficking Hotline to find help, and learn about how Freedom United addresses trafficking for sexual exploitation.