2023 Sex-Industry Crime Statistics
On December 13, 2023, the National Police Agency released its annual white paper on sex-industry-related crime. Changes in key indicators are as follows.
Violations of the Employment Security Act (illegal scouting): Up 35% year on year, the highest figure since records began. Both the effect of coordinated crackdowns and an increase in recognized cases contributed.
Violations of the Anti-Prostitution Act (baishun boshi-ho): Up 15% year on year. Cases originating via social media accounted for more than 60%, marking a clear shift online.
Violations of the Act on Punishment of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography: Contact with victims via social media accounted for more than 80%. The trend toward younger victims continued (the youngest being 13).
Matters related to violations of the new AV (adult-video) law: 62 instances of administrative guidance and 3 criminal complaints. About a year and a half after the law took effect, enforcement has begun to get on track.
Priority Issues Heading into 2024
The report identified the following as priority issues for 2024: (1) strengthening cooperation with social-media platforms; (2) continuing wide-area coordinated crackdowns aimed at eradicating illegal scouting; (3) enhancing support systems, including for foreign victims; and (4) effective enforcement of the new AV law.
This article was compiled based on publicly available information.