MIAMI — The U.S. Justice Department recently announced that sex trafficking victims in cases that involved Backpage ads need to file a petition for compensation before Feb. 2 to be considered.
The sex trafficking cases considered need to be from 2004 to April 6, 2018, and include evidence of financial losses. This may include the cost of mental healthcare.
“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,” Matthew R. Galeotti, the acting assistant attorney general of the department’s criminal division, said in a statement.
Last year, the department forfeited over $200 million in assets traceable to Backpage’s profits, and Epiq Global will be the DOJ’s remission administrator, according to prosecutors. If the victim died, representatives or estates may file a petition.
For information or to file a petition, visit this page or call Epiq at 1-888-859-9206 or 1-971-316-5053.
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