Four arrested in takedown of international human trafficking ring in Metro Detroit - CBS News

[Joseph Buczek]

(CBS DETROIT) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the arrest Friday of four people allegedly connected to an international human trafficking ring in Metro Detroit.

On Friday, authorities arrested four people, including two Michigan residents, and executed search warrants at two residences and four alleged illicit massage parlors in Macomb and Wayne counties. Seven to nine women of Chinese and Korean origin were rescued from the alleged trafficking ring.

"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."

4 arrested in takedown of international human trafficking ring in Metro Detroit 33:56

Details on those charged in alleged international human trafficking ring​

• Jingyu Jin, a 45-year-old Chinese national, is alleged to be the head of the trafficking ring. She is charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to commit conducting a criminal enterprise, accepting earnings from prostitution, transportation for the purpose of prostitution, money laundering and keeping a house of prostitution.
• Huazi Piao, a 60-year-old woman from China, who Nessel said assisted in the operation of several illicit parlors, is charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to commit a criminal enterprise, accepting earnings from prostitution, money laundering and keeping a house of prostitution.
• Jon Villasurda Sr., a 60-year-old Clinton Township man, who officials say allegedly provided transportation between airports and the illicit parlors,
• Michael Richard Navoy, 70, of Allen Park, has also been charged by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
• In addition, Nessel said Oumar Lougue, a 53-year-old non-citizen from West Africa, is facing charges of conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to commit conducting a criminal enterprise, accepting earnings from prostitution and keeping a house of prostitution. Lougue is believed to be out of the country.
• Ming Li, a 59-year-old undocumented immigrant, is also charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to commit conducting a criminal enterprise and keeping a house of prostitution.

The investigation into the trafficking ring began in two parts during the summer when St. Clair Shores police investigated a massage parlor and Michigan State Police assisted the Maumee Police Department in Ohio and uncovered illicit parlors in Southeast Michigan.

Troopers and police from Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights, as well as Homeland Security Investigations, executed search warrants at 111 Healing Studio in St. Clair Shores, AM Healing Studio in Sterling Heights, Magic Health Spa in Detroit and 8 Star Spa in Detroit.

"We want people to understand that this is not a victimless crime," Nessel said. "It's very much a crime that involves people who are victims of some of the most horrendous behavior that you can imagine. These are folks who are kept in these buildings. They're not allowed to leave. They were even taken to gyms just for the purpose of showering and then brought back. They don't have a life; this is their entire life. And it's a terrible way to live."

Nessel said the state is currently coordinating housing for the victims.

CBS News Detroit spoke with one man who says he visited one of the parlors a few weeks ago.

"I mean I been there, got a service or two. But I didn't know it was like that or that nature," the man said. "All I can say is they gave me a good massage."

Victims of human trafficking or those who know someone they think may need help can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text 233733. This national, toll-free hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all calls are confidential.

Terell Bailey contributed to this report.

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Joseph Buczek



Joe Buczek is manager of digital content and promotion at CBS Detroit. He previously worked at WWTV, the Grand Traverse Insider, the Leader and the Kalkaskian, the Oakland Press and the Morning Sun.