Brother Trio Faces Federal Jury in High-Stakes Sex Trafficking Trial
A trio of brothers formerly known for their success in the luxury real estate market will begin their trial in Manhattan federal court this week, facing federal sex trafficking and related criminal charges that span more than a decade. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday, with opening arguments set for early next week. The proceedings could continue into March as prosecutors and defense attorneys present competing versions of events.
The three men — identified in court filings as Oren, Alon, and Tal — have pleaded not guilty to all counts. Their legal teams have sought to dismiss key parts of the government’s indictment, arguing that the charges misinterpret federal trafficking laws and unfairly shift during pretrial battles.
Charges Detail Alleged Long-Running Abuse and Coercion
Federal prosecutors allege the brothers used their wealth, social influence and access to luxury travel, high-end properties, and social events to entice dozens of women, sometimes across state lines. According to the indictment, the defendants are accused of meeting potential victims through dating apps, nightlife venues, and party promoters, and then providing drugs or incapacitating substances before committing sexual assaults and trafficking offenses.
Among the charged counts are conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and — in one instance — exploitation of a minor. The prosecution’s case cites accounts from multiple accusers spanning more than 12 years, seeking to establish a pattern of coercive and predatory conduct.
Defense lawyers have countered that many of the encounters described were consensual and object to what they describe as overbroad applications of the sex trafficking statute, asserting that prosecutors have revised the indictment too close to trial to provide a fair defense.
Defense Motions and Courtroom Strategy Ahead of Trial
In pretrial filings, the defense has urged the judge to throw out or narrow significant portions of the indictment — particularly an 11th-hour modification involving a sexual exploitation charge that could carry long mandatory minimum sentences. Opposing attorneys say last-minute changes leave them insufficient time to prepare, and they have flagged procedural irregularities in how evidence was presented.
U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni has already denied certain defense motions — including one to introduce evidence of a marriage as proof of leaving the alleged conspiracy — and has signaled sensitivity to procedural fairness, at one point rejecting a government request to add an unexpected witness.
All three defendants remain in custody without bail as the trial gets underway. If convicted on the most serious counts, they could face decades in federal prison.
