Millionaire Brothers Face Federal Sex Trafficking Trial in New York
The high-profile sex trafficking trial of three wealthy brothers accused of orchestrating a violent gang rape ring over more than a decade has commenced in Manhattan federal court, with family members including their model wives offering visible support during opening statements.
Prosecutors Paint Picture of Predatory Behaviour
Tal, Oren and Alon Alexander appeared before a judge on Tuesday as Assistant US Attorney Madison Smyser branded the trio as "predators" who "masqueraded as party boys" between 2008 and 2021. Prosecutors allege the brothers used a systematic playbook involving luxury accommodations, private flights, drugs and alcohol to lure women to exclusive destinations before sexually assaulting them.
The indictment claims the men conspired to entice women to vacation spots including the Hamptons by providing flights and luxury hotel rooms, inviting them to entertainment events and parties before sexually abusing them. "They used whatever means necessary," Smyser told jurors, alleging the brothers sometimes employed brute force and frequently drugged their victims to prevent resistance or escape.
Defence Portrays Brothers as Successful Womanisers
Defence attorneys presented a starkly different narrative, portraying the Alexander brothers as successful, ambitious businessmen engaged in consensual encounters within modern "hookup culture." Attorney Teny Geragos, representing Oren Alexander, urged jurors to reject what she called the government's "monstrous story" and emphasised that immoral behaviour does not necessarily constitute criminal activity.
"In their early 20s, Tal and his brothers were party boys. They were womanizers. They slept with many, many women," said defence attorney Deanna Paul, representing Tal Alexander. She warned jurors that the prosecution's portrayal would seem like an R-rated movie but urged them to evaluate the accusers' testimony reliability carefully.
Family Support Amid Serious Allegations
Despite facing allegations of running what prosecutors described as a vile gang rape ring, the brothers received courtroom support from their immediate family. Oren Alexander was accompanied by his wife, Brazilian model Kamila Hansen, whom he married in April 2023. The couple welcomed a child together last year.
His twin brother Alon has been married to Los Angeles fashion model Shani Zigron since 2021. Meanwhile, Tal's estranged wife Arielle filed for divorce in January last year, approximately one month after the brothers' arrest in Miami. The couple had welcomed a baby shortly before their separation.
The brothers' parents, Shlomy and Orly Alexander, were observed consoling each other and family members throughout the proceedings. Orly was seen rubbing the back of a woman seated beside her as the jury received instructions.
Background of the Accused
The Alexander brothers come from a background of considerable professional success. Oren and Tal Alexander established themselves as real estate dealers specialising in high-end properties across Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Their brother Alon graduated from New York Law School before managing the family's private security firm.
Tal is currently 39 years old, while the twins Alon and Oren are 38. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been held without bail since their arrest in Miami in December 2024, where they maintained residences.
Defence Challenges Accusers' Credibility
Defence lawyers have indicated they possess evidence that "undermines nearly every aspect of the alleged victims' narratives." Geragos, who previously represented Sean 'Diddy' Combs in his sex trafficking trial, discredited the women scheduled to testify, suggesting some hoped to enrich themselves through lawsuits against the brothers.
She argued that some accusers only began portraying themselves as victims after experiencing regret about using illegal drugs or engaging in sexual activity outside their relationships. The defence maintains that prosecutors are unjustly criminalising consensual sexual encounters between adults.
The trial, expected to last approximately one month, follows opening statements that set dramatically contrasting narratives about the brothers' activities over the twelve-year period in question. Testimony will now proceed as both sides present their cases regarding events that allegedly occurred across multiple luxury destinations frequented by the wealthy defendants.
