AG Nessel Announces Arrests, Takedown of International Human Trafficking Ring Operating Illicit Massage Parlors in Wayne, Macomb Counties

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside representatives of the federal Homeland Securities Investigations (HSI), Michigan State Police, the St. Clair Shores Police Department, the Sterling Heights Police Department, and the Clinton Township Police Department, announced the arrests of individuals in connection to an alleged international human trafficking ring involving commercial sex at illicit massage parlors in Detroit, Highland Park, St. Clair Shores, and Sterling Heights. The alleged ring is among the largest ever uncovered in the State. 

Following an investigation that began in the summer of this year, dozens of law enforcement officers executed arrest and search warrants today throughout Wayne and Macomb Counties. In the course of todays operation, seven to nine women, of Chinese and Korean origin, were liberated from the alleged trafficking ring. Four purported massage parlors were the subject of search warrants today at the following locations: 

• 111 Healing Studio in St. Clair Shores, on Harper near 12 Mile Rd.
• AM Healing Studio in Sterling Heights, near the intersection of Metro Parkway and Mound.
• Magic Health Spa in Detroit, at 8 Mile Rd and Lahser.
• 8 Star in Detroit, on 8 Mile near I-75. 

“This operation has put an end to a significant human trafficking ring, as large as any we’ve uncovered in the State of Michigan,” Nessel said. “I am grateful, and thankful, to the many excellent partners my office has had on this investigation. These arrests, the takedown of four illicit massage parlors, and the liberation of these victims of human trafficking today in our communities were the result of an awesome effort by several law enforcement agencies. These charges and this operation make it clear that Michigan will be no harbor for the vile trafficking trade for forced labor, sexual or otherwise.”

"Working with our partners we are steadfast in our commitment to combating crimes of  trafficking and exploitation," said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. "HSI will continue to leverage our global footprint to dismantle trafficking networks here in Michigan, across the country and around the world." 

The following individuals were arrested and charged with:

• Jingyu Jin, a 45-year-old Chinese national, alleged to be the head of the trafficking ring.   
  • Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony; 
  • Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony; 
  • Accepting Earnings from Prostitution, a 20-year felony; 
  • Transportation for the purposes of Prostitution, a 20-year felony; 
  • Money Laundering, a 10-year felony; and  
  • Keeping a House of Prostitution, a 5-year felony. 
• Huazi Piao. 
  • Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;  
  • Conspiracy to Commit a Criminal Enterprise; 
  • Accepting Earnings from Prostitution; 
  • Money Laundering; and 
  • 2 counts of Keeping a House of Prostitution.  
• Jon Villasurda, of Clinton Township, a Michigan resident and American citizen. 
  • Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; 
  • Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; and 
  • Transportation in service of Prostitution. 

Additionally, charges were filed against:

• Oumar Lougue, a 53-year-old non-citizen from West Africa. 
  • Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; 
  • Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; 
  • Accepting Earnings from Prostitution; and 
  • Keeping a House of Prostitution. 
• Ming Li, a 59-year-old undocumented immigrant. 
  • Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; 
  • Conspiracy to commit a Criminal Enterprise; and 
  • 2 counts of Keeping a House of Prostitution.

The charges against Jin, Lougue, and Villasurda have been filed in the 40th District Court in the city of St. Clair Shores. The charges against Li and Piao have been filed in the 36th District Court in Detroit. Arraignments on the charges will be conducted in the days ahead. 

More on Attorney General Nessel’s human trafficking initiative can be found at the Attorney General’s website. Victims of human trafficking or those who have identified someone they think may need help can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text 233733. This is a national, toll-free hotline, that is available to answer calls, texts, and chats from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. All calls are confidential.

Original source can be found here.