French authorities say 85% of prostitution activity is now linked to short-term rental properties, marking a significant shift away from street-based activity.
The trend, identified by the Office for the Central Office for the Repression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH), shows criminal networks increasingly using platforms such as Airbnb and Booking to operate discreetly.
According to OCRTEH, the change reflects a broader shift toward digital recruitment and private meeting locations, with encounters arranged via social media and held in short-term rental apartments. Authorities say the activity often occurs without property owners’ knowledge, as bookings are frequently managed through third-party concierge services.
Lénaïg Le Bail, head of OCRTEH, said prostitution networks have largely abandoned street solicitation in favor of online coordination. Meetings are typically arranged in advance, with clients directed to rented apartments that are used for short periods to avoid detection.
The use of lockboxes and self-check-in systems has further enabled discretion, allowing individuals to enter and leave properties without interacting with neighbors or staff. Authorities say the short duration of stays also reduces the likelihood of raising suspicion or triggering police attention.
Industry sources report a steady rise in such cases, with at least four confirmed incidents each month and an upward trend observed since summer 2025. The shift has raised concerns about the misuse of legitimate accommodation platforms for illegal activities.
Property owners are often unaware that their rentals are being used in this way, particularly when management is outsourced. Without direct access to guest information, some landlords rely on intermediaries, limiting their ability to detect suspicious behavior.
Authorities are now calling on short-term rental hosts to remain vigilant and report any unusual signs flagged by neighbors or discovered within properties. Increased awareness is seen as a key step in addressing the growing use of rental platforms by criminal networks.
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