Left to right: Chang Liu, Yinlian Wu. Via MCPD.
Police said two women were arrested following an investigation into illicit massage parlors in Maryland.
Chang Liu, 34, of Columbia, Maryland and Yinlian Wu, 50, of Philadelphia, face prostitution-related charges, according to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD). Liu and Wu were released after posting bond.
According to police, investigation found that Liu owned massage parlors in Maryland — including in Montgomery County — which offered illicit sex acts in exchange for money. There was a six-month joint investigation with other police departments in the state as a result.
Police said that last October, detectives became aware of possible prostitution and sex trafficking at the Elegant Spa on Metropolitan Avenue in Kensington. Detectives saw dozens of mostly male customers coming in and out of the spa everyday. Detectives got multiple admissions of illicit sexual activity in exchange for money that happened inside. Police said detectives were also told that a spa employee tried to bribe a Health and Human Services inspector to prevent the inspector from closing the spa.
Last month, detectives executed a search and seizure warrant at Elegant Spa. Liu was found inside the spa and placed under arrest on a warrant charging her with multiple counts of sex trafficking and prostitution. Wu was also arrested on a warrant charging her with attempted bribery and multiple counts of prostitution. According to police, Liu, Wu and two other females were living at the spa at times during the investigation.
Detectives believe more victims may have been employed by Liu. Detectives urge additional victims who were employed to contact the Vice and Intelligence Unit at 240-773-5958.
