// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Human trafficking 'hidden in plain sight' online
A Stormont inquiry said 95% of women and girls trafficked to the island of Ireland were brought for the purpose of sexual exploitation
Human trafficking is a "catastrophic" problem that is being "hidden in plain sight online", a Stormont inquiry has found.
The investigation into "pimping websites" in Northern Ireland was prompted by growing concerns about the exploitation of trafficked and vulnerable women on online platforms.
The All-Party Group (APG) on Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation is due to release its inquiry report on Tuesday.
The report said such sites allowed criminal gangs to manage multiple profiles and conceal abuse behind the pretence of the women being independent.
It said 95% of women and girls trafficked were "brought for the purpose of sexual exploitation".
The APG inquiry looked at four main websites that advertise women for sexual services across Northern Ireland - Locanto, Adult Works, Viva Street and Escort Ireland.
The websites are publicly available and people will select women and make contact usually through the website, WhatsApp or Telegram.
The women are listed as "independent escorts" offering an extensive list of services. However, the reality is much different, the report found.
Victim A was forced into prostitution at 19 and advertised online. She said the sites were not neutral platforms.