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

In 2009, 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.

Twenty-two 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.