Achi news desk-
Police have shut down three Calgary massage parlors after a year-long investigation uncovered alleged links to human trafficking.
The investigation was launched in February 2023 after officers received a tip about suspicious activity at Moonlight Massage in the 4300 block of Macleod Way.
The investigation led to the closure of the business in December 2023, after the landlord identified illegal rooms on the premises.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) human trafficking unit arrested Hai (Anna) Yan Ye, on April 16, charging the 48-year-old with advertising sexual services, drug offenses and firearms offences.
Ye was released from custody on a number of conditions set by the court.
According to ALERT, Ye was linked to three commercial properties and two homes allegedly used for illegal sexual activities and services.
The massage parlors include:
- Seagull Massage at 1034 8 Avenue SW;
- 128 Massage in 1935 37 Street SW, a
- One Massage Center at 1919 31 Street SE
The homes were located in the 1100 block of Hidden Valley Drive and the 3100 block of 12 Avenue SW.
During a search of all five properties, police seized various drugs, $15,000 in cash suspected to be proceeds of crime and a shotgun with ammunition.
“We believe these were immigrants being exploited into the sex trade,” said ALERT Staff Sgt. Gord MacDonald in a news release.
“This has been a common trend that takes advantage of their unfamiliarity and vulnerability.”
Four victims were identified and resources were provided by ALERT security network coordinators.
Anyone with information about the investigation, or any case involving suspected human trafficking, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
