The Department of Justice announced Thursday it will compensate victims who were trafficked through Backpage.com, launching the largest remission process ever for human trafficking survivors.
More than $200 million seized from the defunct website’s profits is now available to victims. The compensation program represents a significant victory for thousands who were exploited through the platform between 2004 and 2018. It also demonstrates how federal authorities can turn criminal proceeds into victim restitution.
“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. “Backpage and its executives made millions off the trafficking of victims.”
The website operated for 14 years before authorities seized it in April 2018. Criminals used the platform to facilitate commercial sex and trafficking, including minors.
Federal prosecutors secured convictions against Backpage’s owners and executives on charges including conspiracy to facilitate unlawful commercial sex and money laundering. The defendants received federal prison sentences.
In December 2024, the Justice Department forfeited over $200 million traceable to Backpage’s profits. The department hired Epiq Global Inc. to administer the remission process.
Eligible victims include those trafficked through Backpage advertisements between January 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018. They must demonstrate financial losses related to their trafficking.
Individuals, representatives, or estates of deceased victims can file petitions online at backpageremission.com. The deadline is February 2, 2026.
“Sex trafficking is one of the most horrific crimes we confront as a society,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco in the DOJ press release. “While traffickers try to operate in the shadows, the money always leaves a trail—and that’s where we come in.”
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Multiple federal prosecutors handled the criminal and asset forfeiture proceedings.
Since 2000, the Justice Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program has returned more than $12 billion to crime victims. The Backpage remission marks its most ambitious trafficking victim compensation effort.
Victims seeking information can contact Epiq at 1-888-859-9206 or visit the remission website. The department emphasized that participation requires no payment.