Queens Couple Accused Of Using Massage Business For Sex Trafficking
WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Queens couple is facing human trafficking charges on Long Island, accused of forcing women into sexual service.
As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, the husband and wife team are operators of spas from Queens to Nassau and Suffolk counties, but prosecutors said they are partners in crime, forcing spa workers to provide illegal sex services -- a form of modern-day slavery.
Zhaowei Yin and his wife Shuwen Ai are charged with sex trafficking and promoting prostitution.
Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas said the pair advertised in Chinese-language newspapers, roped in vulnerable immigrants to jobs as massage therapists, then forced them to service clients.
"They were threatened and forced to sleep in the massage parlor. One was never paid, one had wages deducted," said Singas.
In one West Hempstead strip mall with a foot massage spa, residents said they suspected something sordid next to the family barber shop.
"A lot of people noticed it, but no one ever said anything. But I'm glad they caught them. There are a lot of children in this area," said Santo D'Agostino.
"Today's arrest should send a message to monsters who prey on people they feel have no voice," said acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter.
Advocates for victims say getting out of the business is often hampered by threats and blackmail.
"Identification is taken away from them and they're required to stay in the situation," said Cindy Scott, with Safe Center, Long Island.
The Flushing couple denies the charges, saying they are hard-working immigrants from China.
"She certainly denies running a massage parlor forcing anyone to engage in sexual acts," said defense attorney Christopher Gaziano.
The DA encouraged the public to report cases of suspected human trafficking. Workers will be treated as victims and given support services to help turn their lives around, Gusoff reported.
The defendants were each held on $250,000 bail and ordered to relinquish their passports.