The Department of Justice has begun the process to compensate victims whose trafficking was facilitated through Backpage.com, an online platform used for commercial sex and sex trafficking from 2004 until it was seized by authorities in April 2018. This effort represents the largest compensation initiative for human trafficking victims to date.
“Backpage.com facilitated the exploitation of women and children as one of the largest online advertisers for commercial sex and sex trafficking over its 14-year existence,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Backpage and its executives made millions off the trafficking of victims. Today’s announcement underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to use forfeiture to take the profit out of crime and to compensate victims.”
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona stated, “Backpage used its position as the leading commercial sex advertisement website to make millions of dollars through their corrupt and heinous peddling of people. The District of Arizona was proud to hold its executives accountable though criminal convictions and is proud to continue our efforts by forfeiting those ill-gotten gains to compensate real victims.”
Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division commented, “Today’s announcement shows the FBI’s commitment to ensuring that those who profit from human trafficking face the consequences of their actions. We will continue to work alongside partners to thwart this industry by decimating its capacity for monetary gain while seeking safeguards for its victims.”
Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation added, “Sex trafficking is one of the most horrific crimes we confront as a society. While traffickers try to operate in the shadows, the money always leaves a trail—and that’s where we come in. IRS-CI is committed to following that financial trail to expose criminal networks and help bring justice to survivors. We’re proud to work with our federal partners to dismantle those who profit from exploitation. Victims in this case should file their petitions by Feb. 2, 2026, to access the compensation they rightfully deserve.”
The government previously seized Backpage.com in April 2018 after years in which criminals had used it as a platform for illegal activities, including child sex trafficking. Following investigations led by agencies such as USPIS, FBI, and IRS-CI, Backpage.com owners and related individuals were convicted on charges including facilitating unlawful commercial sex acts using interstate or foreign commerce facilities and money laundering.
In December 2024, more than $200 million in assets linked directly to Backpage profits were forfeited by authorities; these funds are now set aside for eligible victim compensation claims.
Victims whose cases involved advertisements posted on Backpage.com between January 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018 may qualify for compensation if they experienced financial losses related to their exploitation. Individuals or representatives can submit petitions online or request forms at https://www.backpageremission.com/. The deadline for submission is February 2, 2026.
For additional information about eligibility requirements or assistance with filing a claim—including frequently asked questions—victims can visit https://www.backpageremission.com/ or contact Epiq Global Inc., which has been appointed as Remission Administrator.
Senior Trial Attorney Austin Berry (Criminal Division), Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rapp (District of Arizona), Joseph Bozdech (forfeiture assistance), Jonathan S. Galatzan (Central District of California), Special Agent Richard Robinson (IRS-CI), Special Agent Desirae Tolhurst (FBI), USPIS Inspectors Lyndon Versoza and Quoc Thai, along with Analyst Jane Chung from Joint Regional Intelligence Center contributed significantly throughout both prosecution and investigation phases.
