New Inquiry launched into pimping websites across Northern Ireland

A new Inquiry has been launched into pimping websites across Northern Ireland and the harm they cause to women and girls.

It will be conducted by the newly formed All Party Group (APG) on Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.

The launch deliberately coincides with the eleventh anniversary of Northern Ireland’s ground-breaking human trafficking laws.

Receiving Royal Assent in January 2015, the legislation ensured Northern Ireland was the first – and so far, the only – part of the UK to make buying sex illegal.

This is the ‘Nordic model’ approach where buying sex is criminalised and support is given to help women looking to escape exploitation and prostitution.

Demand for sexual exploitation is a known driver of human trafficking and the Nordic model helps address this demand which reduces human trafficking levels.

However, there are also serious concerns that the Police Service in Northern Ireland (PSNI) are not fully using the powers at their disposal in the Act.

Since that law passed, pimping websites have fast become the most common way for criminal gangs to profit from the sale of women and girls.

An investigation in June 2025 found thousands of potential indicators of sexual exploitation on two of the UK’s most prominent pimping websites.

To mark the launch of this urgently needed Inquiry, a special event is being held tonight at Stormont, hosted by the new APG and by the social policy charity CARE NI.

Peter Martin MLA, Chair of the APG said:

“Commercial sexual exploitation is a reality within our society and pimping websites have facilitated and expatiated this exploitation.

“This inquiry will work towards exposing these platforms which have often hidden behind the veil of empowerment and safety”.

Lord Morrow, the original proposer of the Bill, commented:

“Over ten years ago, the Northern Ireland Assembly, took a courageous and bold step against those who seek to exploit women and girls.

“The Nordic Model is about protection. Protection from commodification and exploitation and we remain steadfast in ensuring that this legislation is providing optimal protection for victims”.

Jessica Mcdowell, Policy Officer at CARE NI said:

“It is a Programme for Government priority for the Northern Ireland Executive to combat violence against women and girls.

“If the Executive are serious about change they must combat the harm from the sale of women in Belfast.

“On any given day over 300 women can be advertised for sale on pimping websites in Northern Ireland.

“This is illegal.

“The law is clear, purchasing sex is a crime. If that law was enforced, demand would reduce and women and girls would receive better protection.

“It is time for action to be taken on the criminal gangs profiting from exploiting women online.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information / interview requests: Tim.Cairns@care.org.uk // 07427660968

Investigation finds clear indicators of exploitation on two large pimping websites: https://news.sky.com/story/ordering-a-woman-to-be-sexually-exploited-is-as-easy-as-ordering-a-takeaway-how-trafficking-victims-are-being-sold-online-13380622