By PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
THE U.S. Department of Justice has launched a $200 million compensation fund for people trafficked through Backpage.com, calling it the largest victim remission process in a human trafficking case.
The fund uses money seized from Backpage’s profits. Victims trafficked via ads on the site between January 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018, can apply if they show financial losses tied to their trafficking.
Individuals, representatives, and estates of deceased victims can file claims at backpageremission.com by February 2, 2026.
Guy Ficco, Chief of IRS Criminal Investigation, said in a statement: “While traffickers try to operate in the shadows, the money always leaves a trail. That’s where we come in.
“We’re proud to work with our federal partners to dismantle those who profit from exploitation.”
He added: “Victims in this case should file their petitions by Feb. 2, 2026, to access the compensation they rightfully deserve.”
Backpage compensation fund
Authorities shut down Backpage in April 2018 after finding it hosted widespread advertising for commercial sex, including trafficking of minors.
Federal prosecutors later secured convictions against its executives on charges of conspiracy to promote illegal commercial sex and money laundering. The court sentenced them to federal prison.
In December 2024, the Justice Department finalized the forfeiture of more than $200 million linked to the site’s revenue. It hired Epiq Global Inc. to manage the compensation process.
“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 Galeotti. “Backpage and its executives made millions off the trafficking of victims.”
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation.
The Justice Department said that victims do not need to pay to participate in the program. For more information, applicants can call 1-888-859-9206 or visit the remission website.
Since 2000, the DOJ’s Asset Forfeiture Program has returned more than $12 billion to crime victims.
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