ESPLER Project: End the Anti-Trafficking Scam

ESPLER Project: End the Anti-Trafficking Scam

SAN FRANCISCO — ESPLER Project today called on federal and state oversight bodies, including the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and California’s Department of Finance to deliver “proper oversight” of anti-trafficking organizations in receipt of federal or state funds.

ESPLER also called on government agencies to halt funding organizations whose sole purpose is to “peddle misinformation” and disseminate “outright lies” to generate further funding. 

By some estimates, ESPLER Project officials said, 50 of the most prominent anti-trafficking organizations in the U.S. have annual revenues of about $686 million, much of which is from federal and state grants.

ESPLER Project officials noted that in its 2013 IRS filing, the Polaris Project showed that a quarter of its revenues — $1,520,541 — came from government grants.

These are significant numbers, the officials said, but it is almost impossible to determine where that money goes because the required IRS filings rarely break down expenses. 

Most anti-trafficking organizations make big claims — and sometimes fabricated stories paired with discredited stats — about rescuing victims from trafficking, but the reality is very different, the officials said.

Most "rescue operations" are law enforcement “raids,” which entrap consensual adult sex workers and often end with incarceration of the supposed victims, the group said.

“This is a huge self-sustaining industry largely supported by our tax dollars, but it does very little to advance its stated purpose of helping trafficked victims. Instead it is all about keeping the grants flowing,” said Claire Alwyne, a board member of ESPLER Project, known formally as the Erotic Service Providers Legal Education and Research Project,  a coalition self-described as one advancing sexual privacy rights through litigation, education and research. 

“We’ve long called upon legislators to create transparency and accountability of publicly funded anti-prostitution and anti-trafficking groups. It’s about time the GAO and state oversight bodies started cracking down on them.” 

Maxine Doogan, president of the organization, said, “Simply reciting fake statistics shouldn’t be enough to get government funding.”

“But thankfully some legislators, like California Assemblyman Bill Quirk, chair of the state legislative Public Safety Committee, are trying to develop policy and allocate funding based on real data. The oversight bodies should really do the same.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More