Rentboy.com, a website that presents itself as a legitimate way to meet male escorts, was raided by federal agents on Tuesday, reported NBC New York. The raid was the culmination of an investigation into money laundering and prostitution taking place through the website. Seven people, including CEO Jeffrey Hurant, 50, were arrested during the raid, which took place at the company's offices located on 14th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City. Authorities gathered documents and computer evidence from the offices and the government seized $1.4 million from six bank accounts, reported CNN.
The website made over $10 million in gross proceeds between 2010 and 2015 through the monthly $59.95 fee that escorts are required to pay to advertise their services.
Hurant's lawyer, Charles Hochbaum, asserts that the website works within the realms of the law.
"My client advertises for people who are willing to be escorts, to accompany people for their time and be paid," he said. "He's upset and confused about how this legitimate business could become the subject of a Homeland Security investigation."
The Homeland Security Investigation's arm of Immigration and Customs Enforcement became involved in the investigation due to concerns that the site promoted its services outside of state and nation borders, reported The New York Times.
"As alleged, Rentboy.com attempted to present a veneer of legality, when in fact this Internet brothel made millions of dollars from the promotion of illegal prostitution," said Kelly T. Currie, acting U.S. Attorney.
Hurant and the six others arrested during the raid could face up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
