Retired NYC financier Howard Rubin arrested on sex-trafficking charges linked to 'sex dungeon' penthouse, feds say
Federal indictment accuses Rubin of exploiting multiple women over a decade; his assistant is charged as well.
A retired Wall Street financier with ties to the George Soros Fund was arrested in Connecticut on a 10-count federal indictment charging sex trafficking and torture of multiple women in a Manhattan penthouse turned BDSM “sex dungeon” over a decade, prosecutors said.
Howard Rubin, known in financial circles as “Howie” or “H,” was taken into custody at his Fairfield home on Friday and is expected to be arraigned in Brooklyn Federal Court on the charges, according to prosecutors. The indictment alleges that Rubin abused the victims first at a luxury New York City hotel and later at a two-bedroom penthouse that he converted into a dungeon featuring BDSM equipment between 2009 and 2019. His assistant, Jennifer Powers, is also facing sex-trafficking charges for allegedly helping him arrange the misconduct.
Rubin is a retired Wall Street high roller who has managed money for the Soros Fund and other wealthy clients. Prosecutors said he was arrested Friday at his Connecticut residence and was to be arraigned in Brooklyn Federal Court later that afternoon. A lawyer for Rubin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Federal prosecutors described the operation as a long-running scheme that used a luxury hotel and a private penthouse to exploit women. The 10-count indictment charges Rubin with sex trafficking and related offenses, alleging that he tortured victims beyond their consent. The case underscores federal authorities’ focus on coercive sexual exploitation and trafficking networks that span multiple locations and years.
Rubin’s ties to major clients, including the Soros Fund, have been referenced in court filings, though prosecutors did not link the case to any ongoing fund activities. Authorities did not indicate whether other associates are involved, and Powers’ counsel could not be reached for comment.
The charges reflect a broader crackdown on sex trafficking cases in federal courts, with prosecutors emphasizing the use of private residences and luxury settings to facilitate coercive conduct. If convicted on the most serious counts, Rubin could face substantial prison time and fines. The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors have urged any potential additional victims to come forward.
