DETROIT (WXYZ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Friday a human trafficking ring bust in metro Detroit that is believed to be among the largest uncovered in the state.
VIDEO: Michigan AG announces human trafficking ring bust in metro Detroit
The investigation, Nessel said, began in the summer of 2024 and included several law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal levels.
Officials say search warrants were executed throughout Wayne and Macomb counties, and seven to nine women of Chinese and Korean origin were rescued. The ring reportedly involved massage parlors in Detroit, Highland Park, St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
For those who work near one of the locations that was raided, Magic Health Spa on 8 Mile near Lahser roads, they’re not surprised to hear what the business was allegedly up to.
"I've seen the police go there before,” said Darrone Hereford, who works as a barber nearby. "I heard it was a massage parlor."
“It's not a traditional massage," said Aaran who works nearby. "They (customers) are walking in hoods up, kinda tucked away. You know an unsavory business when you see one.”
The Attorney General also making it clear that there are likely many more businesses like these out there, that only survive because customers keep them in business.
"If you are frequenting an illicit massage parlor, you are creating more victims," Nessel said. "We want to make sure people understand this is not a victimless crime. It's very much a crime that involves people that are victims of some of the most horrendous behavior you could imagine.”
The arrests and charges are as follows as reported by the AG's office:
- Jingyu Jin, a 45-year-old Chinese national
- Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- Accepting Earnings from Prostitution, a 20-year felony;
- Transportation for the purposes of Prostitution, a 20-year felony;
- Money Laundering, a 10-year felony; and,
- Keeping a House of Prostitution, a 5-year felony.
- Huazi Piao
- Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;
- Conspiracy to Commit a Criminal Enterprise;
- Accepting Earnings from Prostitution;
- Money Laundering; and
- 2 counts of Keeping a House of Prostitution
- Jon Villasurda, of Clinton Township, a Michigan resident and American citizen.
- Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;
- Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; and
- Transportation in service of Prostitution.
- Oumar Lougue, a 53-year-old non-citizen from West Africa.
- Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;
- Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;
- Accepting Earnings from Prostitution; and
- Keeping a House of Prostitution.
- Ming Li, a 59-year-old undocumented immigrant.
- Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;
- Conspiracy to commit a Criminal Enterprise; and
- 2 counts of Keeping a House of Prostitution.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, there is a national hotline to call at 888-373-3788 or text at 233733.
— 7 News Detroit reporter Brett Kast contributed to this report
