Howard Rubin, a former investor from New York who has had connections with billionaire George Soros, has been arrested on federal charges. These allegations claim he was involved in trafficking and abusing individuals in a soundproof BDSM “sex dungeon” located in a penthouse in midtown Manhattan.
Federal authorities report that Howard Rubin, 70, transported a woman for commercial sex across state lines to Fairfield, Connecticut, leading to sex trafficking charges on Friday morning. Prosecutors from Brooklyn assert that Rubin lured women, including ex-Playboy models, to his penthouse on West 57th Avenue, which he leased from 2009 to 2019. They allege that once there, the women were detained, beaten, and subjected to electric shocks.
Rubin, who previously managed funds for George Soros and worked with Salomon Brothers, is said to have invested over $1 million to sustain this illicit operation. Prosecutors allege that he coerced the victims into signing private agreements and disregarded safe words during violent encounters.
Investigators describe one of the penthouse’s bedrooms as soundproofed and painted red, equipped with devices such as a restraint cross and instruments intended for electric shocks. Messages referenced in the indictment suggest Rubin was in communication with his assistant, Jennifer Powers, about the abuse. Powers, who was arrested in Texas, faces charges alongside Rubin.
Court documents outline how Rubin made payments to victims through wire transfers, PayPal, and Venmo. He often made large transactions to elude detection. In one case, prosecutors claim that he wired tens of thousands of dollars to a victim following an encounter that resulted in damage to her breast implant. He reportedly told another victim that rape was “natural” and even invoked Disney movies to validate his perspective.
Previously, Rubin faced a civil lawsuit related to similar allegations. In 2017, several women claimed he had assaulted them violently, and in 2022, a judge awarded seven plaintiffs approximately $4.47 million. Earlier this year, the judge instructed Rubin to pay nearly $4.8 million in legal fees, which he has appealed, although he had to post bonds totalling $10 million.
Rubin’s wife, Mary J. Henry, filed for divorce in 2021 after the first wave of lawsuits came to light. He is set to appear in Brooklyn Federal Court for his arrest on Friday. Rubin also faces bank fraud charges, accused of misrepresenting his financial information in dealings with authorities regarding a mortgage.
This incident surrounds George Soros, Rubin’s former employer, who is under increasing scrutiny. The Justice Department recently directed several U.S. attorneys to look into potential violations, which may include anything from supporting terrorism to wire fraud, along with an investigation into Soros’ Open Society Foundation. Reports have emerged regarding Soros’ substantial funding to activist groups and left-leaning media outlets, with millions funneled through organizations like The Tides Foundation and Arabella Advisors.
In recent weeks, funds associated with Soros have gained attention, particularly after JD Vance revealed links between a Soros-backed nonprofit and media outlets that published false claims about the late Charlie Kirk. Research and commentary from watchdog groups, including the Institute of Accountability, further elaborate on Soros’ involvement in financing organizations connected to violent protests against conservatives and legal initiatives.
