A woman from New York, identified as Hong Yu Li, has been arrested and charged with promoting prostitution and human trafficking at a massage parlor in Cary, North Carolina. The massage parlor in question, Moon Aroma Therapy, located at 1143-H Executive Circle, has become the center of a disturbing investigation.
According to court records, Li is facing multiple charges, including human trafficking of an adult victim, promoting prostitution for profits, sexual servitude of an adult victim, and involuntary servitude of an adult victim. Arrest warrants reveal that Li allegedly compelled massage therapists working at Moon Aroma Therapy to engage in sexual acts with clients at the end of their sessions in exchange for additional money. The profits from these illicit activities were reportedly collected each night.
It remains unclear what Li’s exact relationship is to Moon Aroma Therapy, as a search of state business records does not show her as the owner. This raises questions about the extent of her involvement and whether there are other individuals connected to this alleged human trafficking and prostitution ring.
The discovery of this operation comes at a time when U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Michael Easley, launched a task force in 2023 specifically targeting human trafficking in the Raleigh-Cary area. This task force, consisting of three prosecutorial offices and 11 law enforcement agencies, aims to share intelligence, receive specialized training, and develop investigative tools to combat this heinous crime.
Last year, Easley’s office reported significant success in their efforts against human trafficking, resulting in 12 defendants receiving sentences averaging 98 months. One defendant even received a staggering sentence of over 32 years in prison. However, there are still ongoing cases and individuals facing charges related to human trafficking that have yet to be resolved.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline, available 24/7, plays a crucial role in combating this issue. In 2021 alone, they reported 223 cases involving 340 victims in North Carolina. If you suspect any form of human trafficking or need assistance, please contact the hotline at 888-373-7888 or text 233733.
As the investigation into the alleged human trafficking and prostitution ring at Moon Aroma Therapy unfolds, authorities are determined to bring justice to the victims and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The shocking nature of these charges serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against human trafficking and the importance of continued efforts to eradicate this abhorrent crime from our communities.
1 Response
This situation is like a hidden iceberg in the ocean. From the surface, it may seem like a harmless massage parlor, but beneath lies a dark and dangerous world of illegal activities. Just as an iceberg’s true size and power are concealed beneath the water, the true nature of this establishment was hidden from the public eye.