Four Charged in Connection with Illicit Massage Parlor Operation in New Jersey and New York

Federal Complaint Alleges Multi-State Conspiracy Involving Sexual Services

Four individuals have been charged with operating a network of illicit massage parlors across New Jersey and New York, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Friday, August 9, 2024. The defendants—Zhejun Piao, 37, a Chinese national; Miyeon Choi, 37, a South Korean national; Shangxian Cui, 36, a Chinese national; and Meixiang Jin, 34, of Palisades Park, New Jersey—face one count of conspiracy to commit interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise.

The defendants were arrested on August 8, 2024, and made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court. All four were released following their court appearance.

According to court documents, the defendants have been involved in the operation of several massage parlors in New Jersey and New York that offered sexual services in exchange for money. This alleged illegal activity dates back to at least May 2017. The New Jersey establishments named include Coco Spa in Paterson, Gold Spa in Passaic, 785 Spa in Passaic, Bergen Acupressure in Fairview, Queen Spa and Hawaii Spa in Edgewater, Good Day Spa in East Brunswick, and Spa Wellness in Toms River. The New York location involved is the New Soothing Day Spa in New Rochelle.

Investigations revealed that the spas advertised sexual services on various online platforms, featuring images of female workers and descriptions of the services offered. Evidence presented in court included emails showing that Choi received drafts of these advertisements, and other records indicated that Choi and Piao used cryptocurrency to pay for these online ads. Additionally, Cui was observed transporting supplies, making cash pickups, and depositing over $50,000 with Jin into a bank account.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. It is important to note that the charges and allegations are accusations at this stage, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.