Join Sam, a gifted storyteller, as he recounts the thrilling pursuit of Michael Pratt, a notorious sex trafficking ringleader. Pratt's unbelievable connection to the controversial Girls Do Porn brand reveals the dark side of exploitation masquerading as entertainment. Experts discuss the desperate manhunt, detailing the efforts of a determined group of friends and their unique skills. Additionally, Joseph dives into the world of hacking with 'Airbnb hopping,' showcasing the lengths some go to evade capture. A truly gripping narrative of justice and daring!
The podcast highlights the crucial role of community engagement and collaboration in tracking down sex trafficking suspects like Michael Pratt.
It sheds light on the exploitation tactics used by Girls Do Porn, illustrating the urgent need for accountability in online content distribution.
Deep dives
The Origins of Girls Do Porn
Girls Do Porn was a widely popular porn channel that featured amateur videos claiming to showcase women experiencing their first time on camera. However, many women involved were misled into believing they were participating in lingerie modeling shoots, only to find themselves coerced into non-consensual acts. The brand produced over 500 videos that garnered millions of views, often through deceptive practices such as using doxing sites to target and exploit the women involved. Eventually, this led to a civil lawsuit from numerous victims that culminated in a federal investigation into sex trafficking.
The Role of Pornhub and Legal Battles
The podcast discusses the involvement of Pornhub as a premium content partner for Girls Do Porn, highlighting how the platform profited from the abuse of the women featured. Despite the women’s claims and efforts to have their videos removed, Pornhub failed to act initially, which resulted in an extensive network of lawsuits against them. Ultimately, more than 100 women came forward, leading to a settlement with Pornhub’s parent company, which implemented new moderation policies. This case underscored the troubling dynamics of online content distribution and accountability.
The Hunt for Michael Pratt
Michael Pratt, alleged ringleader of the Girls Do Porn operation, went on the run as federal charges were brought against him, igniting a grassroots effort to locate him. A team of individuals with unique skills—including a lawyer, intelligence experts, and a teenager fluent in Spanish—formed a 'ragtag' unit dedicated to tracking him down. Targeting locations connected to Pratt’s interests and past behaviors, they managed to gather crucial leads through local establishments and individuals who recognized him. Their investigation relied heavily on community engagement and exceptional coordination, illustrating the persistence of those fighting for justice.
The Capture and Legal Proceedings
The combined efforts of the team and law enforcement led to significant updates about Pratt’s whereabouts, culminating in his capture. Upon receiving confirmation from the FBI, the team was excited to celebrate by labeling his wanted poster with 'captured' adorned with a festive bow. Pratt was subsequently extradited back to the U.S., where he awaited trial for multiple federal trafficking charges. As the legal system moved forward, there was a sense of optimism among the victims and their advocates for a hopeful resolution to this prolonged case.
We're dedicating a whole episode to Sam's new narrative piece on how a ragtag group of friends hunted down a wanted sex trafficking ringleader. First we give you all the context for why this person, Michael Pratt, eventually ended up on the FBI's Most Wanted list. Then Sam breaks down the hunt for Pratt, told through the eyes of the people who were there. In the subscribers-only section, Joseph explains how and why hackers are "Airbnb hopping."