URGENT UPDATE: A federal judge in San Diego has just ordered Michael James Pratt, the imprisoned owner of the notorious website GirlsDoPorn, to pay a staggering $75.6 million in restitution to over 106 women he exploited in a horrific sex trafficking scheme. This landmark ruling comes as Pratt serves a 27-year prison sentence for his crimes, with an expected release in 2045.
The ruling was issued by U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino, highlighting the severe impact of Pratt’s actions on his victims, who were misled and coerced into making pornographic videos. These videos were falsely marketed as private collections for overseas clients but ended up on widespread pornographic platforms, including the GirlsDoPorn network.
Pratt, 43, a New Zealand citizen residing in San Diego, admitted in his plea agreement to conspiring to traffic women between 2012 and 2019. Despite acknowledging the exploitation of at least 15 victims, authorities estimate that the true number of women affected exceeds 505. Many of these women were unaware that their videos would be shared publicly, leaving them vulnerable and exploited.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Foster stated, “The restitution order is a powerful acknowledgment of the lifelong harm inflicted on these women.” While the financial compensation cannot fully remedy the trauma endured, it holds Pratt accountable for his actions.
The restitution breakdown reveals that $16.9 million corresponds to the gross revenue generated by the GirlsDoPorn operation, while the remaining $58.6 million pertains to specific losses suffered by the victims. Individual compensation amounts vary, with some women owed less than $500,000, while one victim is to receive over $6.6 million.
Court records show that Pratt liquidated his assets in 2019 while evading justice, fleeing to Spain where he was apprehended in 2022. Prosecutors have noted that Pratt’s current financial status remains unclear, and there is skepticism regarding whether the victims will ever see the restitution owed to them.
After Pratt’s sentencing, Foster remarked, “I expect that Mr. Pratt is never going to be able to make these women whole financially.” Investigators managed to seize only a fraction of Pratt’s wealth, including $2,400 in cash and approximately 4.35 Bitcoins valued around $298,000. These assets have been forfeited to the government.
Additionally, many victims continue to pursue legal action against platforms like PornHub that hosted GirlsDoPorn videos. Over 120 women have filed lawsuits against PornHub’s parent company, alleging illegal publication of sex-trafficking content. The company has already settled one lawsuit for undisclosed terms, while a second lawsuit remains ongoing.
As this situation develops, the focus remains on the victims and the ongoing fight for justice. The ripple effects of Pratt’s actions are significant, and many are watching closely to see how this restitution order will impact the victims moving forward.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this evolving story and its implications for all those affected.
