Bowling Green, Ky. – Two Arrested in Human Trafficking Investigation
Bowling Green police have charged two individuals following an investigation at a massage parlor termed an “illLegal massage parlor.” The incident took place at Star Spa, situated off the 800 block of Lain Avenue, on August 27. Police arrived on the scene after receiving reports of suspicious activities related to the business.
Suspicious Work Conditions
Upon arrival, officers engaged with two women who were working at the parlor. *According to statements made by the women,* their working conditions raised red flags. One of the women stated she received minimal pay, while the other revealed she hadn’t been paid at all – only relying on tips from the massages she provided. Even more alarming was that both women claimed they were unaware of the city or state they were in.
Thanks to the swift action from the Bowling Green Police Department (BGPD), both women were safely removed from the parlor and assisted with necessary services to ensure their well-being.
Investigation Leads to Arrests
Following the initial findings, police continued their investigation. On September 3, officers spoke with *Xu Zhang,* a 37-year-old resident of Orland Park, Illinois. Zhang admitted to operating the Star Spa but stated she was not the owner. Authorities noted that she, along with a man identified as *Mei Dianyong,* 60 years old and also from Orland Park, would frequently travel to the spa to collect money from the operation.
According to the police citation, both Zhang and Dianyong were *“benefitting financially from the illegal business.”* This statement captured the attention of investigators, prompting them to explore the couple’s other business dealings.
City Code Violations Discovered
In conjunction with the police investigation, Bowling Green City Code Compliance was contacted to assess the situation. Following a thorough inspection, they found multiple violations of city codes linked to the massage parlor. As a result of these findings, officials mandated the immediate closure of the business.
During inquiries, Zhang revealed her involvement in recruiting employees for the parlor. Investigators also uncovered that both Zhang and Dianyong were connected to *several illegal massage parlors across different states.* This revelation piqued the interest of law enforcement, suggesting a broader network involved in the illicit operation.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, both Xu Zhang and Mei Dianyong have been charged with promoting human trafficking. They currently remain in custody at the Warren County Detention Center as the investigation continues. This case has scored a significant blow against illegal massage operations in Bowling Green, shining a light on the potentially widespread issue of human trafficking in such businesses.
The Bowling Green Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding similar illicit activities to come forward, aiming to further address and combat this pressing issue in the community.
