Several people have been arrested in Metro Detroit connected to an international human trafficking ring.
According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, it’s one of the largest ever uncovered in the state.
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Details
The investigation began last summer involving multiple agencies.
Police conducted raids at four purported massage parlors Friday, Dec. 6:
- 111 Healing Studio in St. Clair Shores
- AM Healing Studio in Sterling Heights
- Magic Health Spa in Detroit
- 8 Star in Detroit
Seven to nine women of Chinese and Korean origin are believed to be victims of the alleged trafficking ring.
“The reason I’m saying seven to nine is because it’s not clear to us yet who was a victim and who might be a criminal defendant,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.
“Through physical surveillance efforts our investigative team observed various members of this alleged criminal enterprise moving between parlors, airports, casinos and residences, and we’re able to piece together a clear picture of how this trafficking ring conducted its operations here in Michigan,” Nessel said.
Five suspects arrested
Jingyu Jin, a 45-year-old Chinese national, is alleged to be the head of the trafficking ring. Jin is facing several charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise, accepting earnings from prostitution, and keeping a house of prostitution.
The others charged are Huazi Piao, Jon Villasurda Sr., Oumar Lougue, and Ming Li, an undocumented immigrant, according to the AG’s Office.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against Michael Navoy in a separate release.
He’s accused of being involved in human trafficking and prostitution operating out of a Southgate home he owns.
“This operation has put an end to a significant human trafficking ring as large as any that we have uncovered here in the state of Michigan. And we believe this ring is only a part of a larger national criminal syndicate,” Nessel said.
Investigators encourage the public to be vigilant. The investigation in St. Clair Shores began with a tip.
“This is a great example of ‘see something, say something.’ In our town, at least, it started off with residents or citizens seeing something suspicious, taking that step to report it. Our detectives investigated, found out that it was much larger than we suspected,” St. Clair Shores Deputy Police Chief Paul Plaza said.
Those charged will be arraigned in the coming days.
Metro Detroit organization highlights key warning signs in human trafficking
Hope Against Trafficking is a local organization that set out to do something about the problem of human trafficking in Michigan.
“It’s in every zip code,” said Hope board member Karen Ewing.
Ewing and her colleagues educate the community about potential red flags that could indicate a human trafficking situation.
“Are there bruises? Do they know where they live? Do they know even who they are with? Sometimes they don’t even know who they are with,” Ewing said about human trafficking victims. “We’re looking for signs that would tell us something isn’t right.”
If something seems suspicious, Ewing said people should not hesitate to call 911 or a human trafficking hotline.
According to police, tips from the community helped lead to the recent human trafficking bust.
In light of this recent investigation, Hope Against Trafficking wants to emphasize the human trafficking statistics.
According to the organization, a family member sells 40% of trafficked children, and 99% of trafficked victims are never identified.
