Two New Zealanders have been charged with sex trafficking in the United States.

In 2009, Christchurch-raised Michael Pratt and Matthew Wolfe launched a subscription porn website, amassing millions in profit.

But, according to a civil class action - and now the FBI - the success was built on lies. 

Michael James Pratt is considered a fugitive after the FBI laid sex trafficking charges against him. Photo / Supplied

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22 women claim they were duped into participating in the films, by repeated assurances the videos would not be available online.

They say they were promised the videos would be direct-to-DVD and only available in New Zealand and Australia.

Pratt and Wolfe have been charged with sex trafficking by fraud or coercion by the FBI - a charge that carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Wolfe, 37, is in custody, but Pratt is officially considered a fugitive.