Two massage parlors busted in Macomb County - MSN

[The Macomb Daily, The Macomb Daily, Mount]

Five people have been arrested on accusations they operated massage parlors in Macomb and Wayne counties that illegally provided commercial sex.


Arrest and search warrants were implemented Friday in connection with an international human-trafficking ring in facilities in Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shoes, Detroit and Highland Park, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

The alleged ring is among the largest of its kind ever uncovered in the state, officials said in a press release.

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“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. “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.”

Nessel thanked partner agencies involved in the investigation, including the federal Homeland Securities Investigation and three local police departments.

“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.”

Other agencies included the Michigan State Police and the St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights and Clinton Township police departments.

The four alleged parlors were:

* 111 Healing Studio on Harper Avenue near 12 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores,

* AM Healing Studio in Sterling Heights, near the intersection of Metro Parkway and Mound Road, Sterling Heights,

* Magic Health Spa in Detroit, at 8 Mile Road and Lahser Road, Detroit,

* 8 Star,, on Eight Mile near Interstate 75, Highland Park.

The following individuals were charged in 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores:

* Jingyu Jin, a 45-year-old Chinese national, who was the alleged leader of the ring, was charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, accepting earnings of a prostitute, transportation for the purpose of prostitution, money laundering and keeping a house of prostitution.

* Jon Villasurda of Clinton Township was charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise and transportation in service of prostitution.

* Oumar Lougue, 53, a non-citizen from West Africa, was charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, accepting earnings of a prostitute and keeping a house of prostitution.

Charged in 36th District Court in Detroit were Ming Li, 59, an undocumented immigrant, and Huazi Piao, whose personal information was not provided. Each were charged with operating a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to operate a criminal enterprise and two counts of keeping a house of prostitution. Piao faces additional charges of money laundering and accepting the earnings of a prostitute.

Four of the charges carry 20-year maximum penalties: both criminal criminal enterprise charges, accepting earnings of a prostitute and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. Money laundering is punishable by up to 10 years and keeping a house of prostitution is punishable by up to five years.

More details on the state human trafficking initiative can be found at the Attorney General’s website. Victims of human trafficking or those who may know a victim can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text 233733; it is a national, toll-free hotline answers calls, responds to texts, and engages chats around the clock. All calls are confidential.

(c)2024 The Macomb Daily, Mount Clemens, Mich. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.