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Feds Seizing Backpage.com, Its Affiliates

by Associated Press

   PHOENIX --

   Federal law enforcement authorities are in the process of seizing
   Backpage.com and its affiliated websites.

   A notice that appeared Friday afternoon at Backpage.com says the
   websites are being seized as part of an enforcement action by the FBI,
   U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service.

   The notice doesn't characterize or provide any details on the nature of
   the enforcement action.

   It says authorities plan to release information about the enforcement
   action later Friday.

   Backpage.com lets users create posts to sell items, seek a roommate,
   participate in forums, list upcoming events or post job openings.

   But Backpage.com also has listings for adult escorts and other sexual
   services, and authorities say advertising related to those services has
   been extremely lucrative.

   This story was written by the Associated Press.