Cops train to eliminate illicit massage parlors - San Mateo Daily Journal

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San Bruno police are working to stamp out prostitution and human trafficking associated with illicit massage parlors.

The department just completed a training session offered by the California Massage Therapy Council focused on eliminating and preventing the businesses, which are sometimes a front for illegal activity.

“The San Bruno Police Department recognizes that massage therapy can offer valuable health and therapeutic services. The department further recognizes that, unless properly regulated and monitored, the practice of massage therapy and the operation of massage businesses is susceptible to being associated with unlawful activity,” Chief of Police Ed Barberini wrote in a statement.

His department has partnered with the nonprofit to facilitate training for law enforcement personnel throughout the Bay Area.

The council ramped up law enforcement training sessions last year to share information and discuss new developments and changes in the Massage Therapy Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2015.

The agency was formed through legislation in 2008 to implement a voluntary certification process established by the state Legislature for massage professionals. The agency’s central goal is to protect and maintain public safety when consumers are choosing certified massage professionals.

The training the agency provides focuses on the types of evidence used to take disciplinary action, including suspension and revocation of a massage permit.

After officers receive the training, which has been offered for the last two years, they can work cooperatively with the agency to take stronger enforcement action and craft more focused approaches in the fight against illicit massage parlors.

Earlier this month, San Bruno police announced they shut down two massage parlors and arrested two in connection with prostitution.

It was a five-month operation.

Police conducted the operation in response to a an ordinance adopted in June 2015 by the San Bruno City Council updating rules and regulations associated with operating a massage business in the city.

The operation was conducted between October and March, in an effort to combat human trafficking, prostitution and other illegal activities that may happen under the guise of massage therapy.

On Nov. 5, officers conducted an operation at Sunrise Massage, located at 121 El Camino Real. There, officers arrested an employee, identified as 36-year-old Sacramento resident Jiemei Yang on suspicion of solicitation for an act of prostitution.

Then on Jan. 11, an operation was conducted a Go Healthy Spa, located on 217 El Camino Real. There, officers arrested 57-year-old San Francisco resident Mai Phuong Nguyen-Vu, the business’ owner, on suspicion of solicitation for an act of prostitution, according to police.

The city has since revoked the two businesses’ certificates of registration, prohibiting them from operating in the city.

Additional operations and random inspections will continue through the year, police said.

Anyone with information about illegal activities occurring at massage businesses in San Bruno is asked to contact police at (650) 616-7100.

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