Wall Street Investor Accused of Running a Sex Trafficking Operation

A short distance from the home where Howard Rubin, a longtime Wall Street investor, lived with his wife and three children in Manhattan, he owned another apartment—a penthouse at 57 Metropolitan Tower Mansion, priced at $18,000 a month. The location, just below Central Park, boasted impressive views, but most of his guests didn’t get to enjoy them.

Prosecutors allege that Rubin converted this penthouse into a suspicious “built-in” sex dungeon, where he reportedly assaulted numerous women, engaging in acts of violence and torture. According to court documents, Rubin used the space exclusively for sexual activities.

Rubin and his assistant, Jennifer Powers, are facing accusations of facilitating a multi-million-dollar bondage and masochistic sex trafficking scheme from 2009 to 2019, with much of the exploitation occurring in the penthouse.

This week’s report revealed Rubin, who is worth tens of millions, was known for his “revolving door” of women he’d take to a nearby bistro.

A server mentioned, “He seemed to be paying for their looks—they were all blondes.”

Yet, a former colleague expressed concern about Rubin’s patterns, noting that it’s suspicious for a man who isn’t a public figure to privately sign women for dates.

Once at his penthouse, many women were allegedly lured there under false pretenses, only to face abuse. Court documents describe a lockable room painted red, equipped with various sadistic instruments.

Rubin was arrested last week after reportedly drugging one of his victims. He has pleaded not guilty.

Allegations include that the dungeon housed items like an X-shaped “St Andrews Cross,” restraints, and an assortment of bondage gear. One victim recounted being restrained and assaulted.

In an email sent to Rubin, Powers described the setup of the dungeon, detailing how chains and cuffs were used to facilitate the bondage.

Witnesses suggest that some of the women were vulnerable and that drugs or alcohol were sometimes involved to facilitate the encounters.

As the case unfolds, various real estate experts express disbelief that such activities could occur in what is often considered a secure environment. Staff at the building are reportedly very attentive, raising eyebrows about how this could happen.

Rubin’s legal team has yet to respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, some in the real estate community have noted that private facilities for similar purposes are not uncommon in the city, with one advisor suggesting, “If they want a sex dungeon, give them a sex dungeon.”

The allegations against Rubin first surfaced in 2017 when several women from Florida came forward, claiming they were violently assaulted in New York. He faced further legal challenges in 2022.

A civil lawsuit includes names of several women alleging abuse, with some described as playboy models. One victim, Emma Hopper, is also participating in ongoing civil action against Rubin and Powers, who are both still facing significant legal challenges.

Rubin, known for his lengthy career, particularly his time at George Soros’ investment firm, has had a mixed reputation—described as “smart” yet self-serving by former peers.

Despite his previous successes in finance, he stands accused of far more serious crimes now, with the court date fast approaching. Rubin remains in custody without bail, while Powers, who resides in Texas, has posted bond and continues to plead not guilty.