Massage Parlor Sting: Prostitution Ring Bust in Florida
In Polk County, Florida, an undercover operation named “Operation Skin So Soft” targeted illicit activities in massage parlors, leading to the arrest of 21 women. Over two days, officers audited 22 establishments, uncovering violations in 12. Allegations included offering sexual acts to undercover officers, which prompted swift legal action against those involved.
The arrested women, aged 31 to 64, were primarily Chinese nationals, with some on work visas. Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized strict compliance with new Florida regulations requiring proper record-keeping for massage parlors and therapists, further bolstering law enforcement oversight.
Authorities are now coordinating with federal agencies to address visa violations, with Sheriff Judd warning potential patrons against engaging in illegal transactions at massage parlors. This operation underscores efforts to enforce local laws while addressing broader concerns about networks exploiting such businesses.
5 Times Massage Parlors Were Busted As Fronts For Prostitution
One of the most high-profile stings in recent years, this operation uncovered a prostitution ring operating out of the Orchids of Asia Day Spa. The case drew national attention when Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, was implicated. Authorities conducted surveillance and undercover operations, exposing the spa’s role in human trafficking. Women were reportedly coerced into prostitution, often living in deplorable conditions on-site. This case sparked a nationwide conversation about the connection between massage parlors and trafficking networks.
Police raided six massage parlors in Fulton County after a year-long investigation into prostitution and human trafficking. More than 20 victims, primarily women, were rescued from these establishments. Authorities arrested key figures accused of running the trafficking network and charged them with racketeering and labor trafficking. The raid also led to the closure of several businesses and highlighted the systemic exploitation hidden behind the façade of legitimate massage services.
In December 2018, three women were arrested in Santa Clarita as part of a crackdown on massage parlors allegedly involved in prostitution. These arrests followed a series of undercover operations targeting businesses suspected of offering sexual services under the guise of legitimate massage therapy. The sting was part of broader efforts by local law enforcement to combat human trafficking and prostitution in the area.
A coordinated operation between local police and the FBI’s Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force. Undercover officers visited several massage parlors suspected of offering prostitution services. Based on local tips, four women were arrested for prostitution-related charges. While no evidence of human trafficking was found, the sting highlighted ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities masked as legitimate massage businesses.
In 2021, Hong Ru Lin and Kena Zhao were indicted for operating a prostitution business through multiple massage parlors across New York, including locations in Putnam, Westchester, and Queens County. The couple managed a network of women who performed sexual services for customers. They communicated via cellphone and private chat rooms to direct and monitor the operation. Both were charged under the Travel Act for using interstate commerce to facilitate illegal activities. Each charge carries a potential five-year prison sentence.
