Featured Research

What is the Illicit Massage Industry?

The Illicit Massage Industry (IMI) is one of the largest - and most networked - sex trafficking markets in the United States. We assess the IMI is made up of over 10,000 illicit massage businesses (IMBs) across all 50 states.

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Illicit Massage Industry

Assessing the Potential Impact of COVID-19 on the IMI

We assess the COVID-19 crisis will severely impact illicit massage business (IMB) operations in the short-to-medium term, particularly in states which ordered the closure of non-essential businesses. The potential long-term effects on the illicit massage industry (IMI) remain unclear given uncertainty surrounding the longevity and intensity...

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Case Study

Seattle, WA – IMI Case Study

On February 28, 2019, after a three-year investigation, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) raided eleven massage parlors, arresting five owners/operators, and freeing 26 victim workers. The takedown focused on the Chinatown-International district, Beacon Hill and Sodo. Six people were charged with varying counts of promoting prostitution and...

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U.S. Cities Initiative

In partnership with International Justice Mission, we’re working broadly with the Dallas community to implement effective disruption strategies from multiple vantage points. We all have a part to play in ensuring illicit massage businesses can’t thrive in our communities. No matter your position, there is a part you can play.

Cities Initiative Overview

Toolkits

Our toolkits empower citizens, community leaders and anti-human trafficking task forces and coalitions with strategic resources and promising, field-tested disruption methods to defeat the Illicit Massage Industry (IMI) and provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive services to victims.