The Feds Seize Backpage Website

#Roommates, federal law enforcement have seized Backpage.com, the controversial classified website. Users were directed to a post on the site informing them that the website and its affiliates were seized “as part of an enforcement action” by the FBI and other federal and local agencies.

The notice said more information would be made available to the public by the justice Department at 6 p.m. ET on Friday.

According to LA Times, local media in Arizona reported that the FBI had raided the home of the websites founder, Michael Lacey.

Backpage was a site that let users create posts to sell items, seek roommates, participate in forums, list events etc.

It was also known for adult escort listings and other sexual services. The site shut down its “adult” section last year after facing legal pressure, but sex workers had ventured into other parts of the site.