Cybersecurity background

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Backpage

SZ-7980

backpage.com

SeizedHuman Trafficking

Backpage was a classified advertising website that became a major hub for sex trafficking. The site was seized by the DOJ in 2018.

Site Screenshot

Screenshot of Backpage

Historical screenshot of Backpage before seizure

📰 Source Links

Official announcements and news sources about this seizure:

Basic Information

Date Seized:April 1, 2018
Reason for Seizure:Facilitating prostitution and sex trafficking
Law Enforcement Agency:DOJ
Category:Human Trafficking
Status:Seized

Impact Statistics

Estimated Financial Loss:$500M+
Users Affected:10,000,000

Technical Details

Location:United States
Operator:Carl Ferrer, Michael Lacey, James Larkin
Technology Used:Web Platform
Operational Duration:17 years
Investigation Length:3 years

Timeline

Investigation Started

Investigation began 3 years before seizure

Site Seized

April 1, 2018

Important Notice

This information is compiled from public records and law enforcement announcements. The website mentioned here has been officially seized and is no longer operational. This database is for informational and educational purposes only.