Preying on Vulnerability: A Document Analysis of Online Sex Work Recruitment of Ukrainian Displaced Women in Canada

War-displaced persons experience significant challenges regarding securing safe employment upon arriving in Canada. The purpose of this study is to deepen the understanding of what is known, or is yet to be discovered, about Ukrainian displaced women and their recruitment into sex work in Canada through online job advertisements. Using predetermined keywords and indicators, social media platforms were searched for employment advertisements based in Canada, which included, or implied, elements of sex work from 24 February 2022 to 31 December 2024. Guided by the digital feminist surveillance studies approach, a qualitative document analysis identified explicit ( n = 9) and implicit ( n = 24) advertisements. Data analysis revealed specific strategies used in online sex work advertisements catered to Ukrainian displaced women in Canada. Three key themes emerged: (a) increasing job accessibility by elimination of barriers, (b) benefits and incentives as an enticement strategy and (c) requirement of direct communication for job details. This study contributes to a growing body of knowledge regarding exploitative recruitment practices of vulnerable populations into sex work and other precarious employment. The findings underscore a need for increased awareness of coercive recruitment tactics and enhanced regulation of digital spaces by policymakers, law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups to safeguard displaced populations.