413047-Underground-Commercial-Sex-Economy

The role of the State Department’s Diplomatic and Security Services office was cited as critical to
investigating commercial sexual exploitation cases with transnational components.
Websites such as Craigslist, Backpage, and Eros advertise commercial sex in Miami and were noted by law
enforcement as more expensive than brothels or street-based commercial sex, but less expensive than
escort services. Police officials reported that on average, prices in Miami range from $150 to $300 on
these sites and are similar whether the individual advertised is a minor or an adult. Minors and adults
advertised on these sites are both US citizens and foreign nationals. Law enforcement reported sex
trafficked US citizen minors are now advertised online whereas five years ago, they would be out on the
street.
Erotic Massage Parlors
Massage parlors also operate as fronts for prostitution and sex trafficking in Miami. As illustrated in
figure 4.2, erotic massage parlors are abundant in the Miami metro area, and the number has increased
slightly over the last two years. According to law enforcement, the massage parlors have changed over
time in the nationalities of the owners and employees. Whereas a few years ago, the massage parlors
advertised Hispanic women, they were now operated by Chinese nationals advertising Chinese women.
Massage parlors operate similar to escort services in that the owner charges a “house fee” to rent the room
and a charge per sexual activity. Any amount tipped would go to the woman performing the act. With
respect to networks, law enforcement has reported uncovering cases where one convicted offender
operated seven different massage parlors across the city.
Figure 4.2 Erotic Massage Parlors in the Miami Metro Area
Perhaps specific to Miami, the other venue that facilitates sex trafficking and prostitution are clubs on the
beach that cater to Eastern European clientele. While there have been no solid investigations of these
clubs so far, law enforcement has reason to suspect they are involved in trafficking and prostitution. As
one law enforcement official observed:
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