More than 500 women appear daily on pimping websites advertising sexual services in Northern Ireland. Four main sites - Locanto, Adult Works, Viva Street and Escort Ireland - host these listings. Escort Ireland carries the largest number, with over 1,000 women advertised each day across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

BBC NI reviewed the sites over months and found an average of more than 500 women per day. Ruth Breslin, director of the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute, stated that most women on these sites are organised, coerced and controlled, with others profiting from their sale for sex. She pointed to signs of trafficking, including young ages, claims of being new to Ireland or in Belfast briefly, and basic English skills.

Breslin questioned how women with limited English obtain local phone numbers, addresses and profiles independently. She noted limited control over clients and services. Up to 130 women appear on Escort Ireland in Northern Ireland at any time, mostly young migrant women.

The sites include buyer reviews rating appearance, satisfaction, value and overall experience. Legislation since 2015 criminalises paying for sexual services, directly or through others, in Northern Ireland. Selling sex remains legal, as does loitering or soliciting to sell it. Managing brothels or controlling prostitution for gain is illegal.

Mia Doring, a sex trade survivor and author, called for blocking access to the sites to curb demand. She said men using them know their actions are criminal and feel shame.