Existing law makes it a felony, generally known as human trafficking, to deprive or violate the personal liberty of another with the intent to effect or maintain a felony violation of, among other crimes, pimping, pandering, or abducting a minor for the purpose of prostitution.

Existing law authorizes the forfeiture of vehicles, boats, airplanes, money, negotiable instruments, securities, real property, or other things of value used for the purpose of facilitating the human trafficking of a victim under 18 years of age for purposes of a commercial sex act and property acquired through, or that was received in exchange for the proceeds of, that crime.

Existing law establishes a procedure for a prosecutor to petition for forfeiture of an interest in these items that includes appointment of a receiver to take possession of and manage any property.

This bill would make the above-described provisions authorizing forfeiture of property and the procedure for effecting it applicable to all offenses of human trafficking involving a commercial sex act, regardless of the age of the victim.