A Stormont inquiry has identified human trafficking as a "catastrophic" issue that is "hidden in plain sight online". The investigation, prompted by concerns regarding the exploitation of vulnerable women on online platforms, focused on "pimping websites" in Northern Ireland.
The All-Party Group (APG) on Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation is scheduled to release its inquiry report on Tuesday. The report states that such sites enable criminal gangs to manage multiple profiles and conceal abuse by presenting women as independent.
The inquiry examined four primary websites advertising women for sexual services across Northern Ireland: Locanto, Adult Works, Viva Street, and Escort Ireland. The report found that 95% of women and girls trafficked were for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The National Crime Agency has also identified websites advertising prostitution as "significant enablers of trafficking and sexual exploitation".
The report dismissed the possibility of safely regulating these platforms, stressing that criminal networks would continue to exploit regulated environments unless the digital infrastructure is dismantled. Recommendations outlined include criminalising website operators, enhancing cross-border operational cooperation with the Republic of Ireland, and targeted interventions for men.
In Northern Ireland, legislation introduced in 2015 makes paying for sex a criminal offence, though selling sexual services is not illegal. Between 1 June 2015 and 28 February, there were 134 arrests for paying for sexual services, with five leading to conviction.