By: Richard L. Smith
Four individuals have been charged with running a network of illicit massage parlors across New Jersey and New York, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
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, NJ—are accused of conspiracy to commit interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise.
They were arrested on August 8, 2024, and made their initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court. All four were released pending further proceedings.
According to court documents, the defendants have been operating and profiting from a network of illicit massage parlors since at least May 2017.
These establishments, which include several spas across New Jersey and New York, allegedly offered sexual services in exchange for money.
The New Jersey locations include Coco Spa in Paterson, Gold Spa in Passaic, and Spa Wellness in Toms River, among others.
In New York, the operation included New Soothing Day Spa in New Rochelle.
The spas allegedly advertised their services online, posting images of female workers and descriptions of the sexual services offered.
Law enforcement gathered evidence showing the defendants' involvement in illegal activities, including emails linking Choi to the creation of advertisements and records showing cryptocurrency payments made by Choi and Piao for online promotions.
Cui was observed transporting supplies to the spas and making cash pickups, while Jin was found to have deposited over $50,000 into a bank account.
The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.