Former Wall Street Executive Accused of Torture in Secret BDSM Dungeon
Authorities have charged a former high-profile financier, linked to George Soros, with torturing a woman in a hidden BDSM “sex dungeon.” The 70-year-old, Howard Rubin, previously managed funds for notable firms like Salomon Brothers, Bear Stearns, and Merrill Lynch.
According to the indictment, Rubin allegedly exploited his status to lure victims, coercing them into enduring horrific physical trauma, often silencing their objections through threats of legal action.
Rubin was arrested by FBI agents at his home in Fairfield, Connecticut, on Friday morning. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced that he faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking and transporting women across state lines for commercial sexual purposes.
Rubin’s assistant, Jennifer Powers, who joined him around 2011, is also implicated in managing the logistics of these illicit operations. Authorities mentioned that Rubin is accused of bank fraud related to misrepresentations during fundraising efforts.
Powers was also arrested in Texas, and the alleged abuse reportedly took place between 2009 and 2019. During this time, Rubin and Powers are said to have traveled to New York City to recruit women for commercial sexual activities, which included bondage and domination.
Reports indicate that multiple women, including former Playboy models, were allegedly coerced into these encounters at Rubin’s Manhattan penthouse, which featured a modified bedroom described as a “dungeon” equipped with BDSM tools.
The government claims that many of these interactions left the women physically harmed and fearful for their safety. Furthermore, Rubin allegedly used force and manipulation to traffic at least one woman in Las Vegas in 2018.
Rubin and Powers reportedly required women to sign agreements that absolved Rubin of liability during their BDSM interactions, which included clauses prohibiting them from discussing what occurred. They were also warned about potential legal and reputational consequences for speaking out.
Joseph Noserra Jr., an acting U.S. attorney, stated that Rubin’s wealth was a means to mislead and recruit women into commercial sexual activities. The FBI has vowed to continue pursuing those who engage in such abusive practices.
If convicted of sex trafficking, both Rubin and Powers face severe penalties, including potentially life sentences. Rubin could also face up to 30 years for the bank fraud charges. In court, he maintained his innocence.
The defense lawyer for Rubin did not respond to immediate requests for comment.
Rubin is known for previous controversies, including an unauthorized transaction that led to a considerable financial loss at Merrill Lynch in 1987, making him a notorious figure in Wall Street’s history.
