Following a year-long joint investigation, law enforcement officers from the Anchorage Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, the FBI Anchorage Field Office, and other partners executed search warrants this week at seven illicit massage parlors across Anchorage and the Mat-Su. Executed in close coordination with prosecutors and civil attorneys from the Alaska Department of Law, the operation is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
According to an Alaska State Trooper alert, the operation developed after leads indicated that several illicit massage businesses were operating as organized crime fronts involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Over several months, investigators developed evidence that led to the arrests of seven individuals.
The seven businesses searched in connection with this investigation are: Jasmine Spa; Zen Massage; Stream Health Spa of Wasilla; Phoenix Health Spa; Owl Health Spa; Renew Day Spa; and Red House Massage of Anchorage. Two Anchorage residences were also searched as part of the operation.
People arrested in connection with the operation include the following:
— 72-year-old Lee Van Ness, of Anchorage (third-degree sex trafficking charges)
— 34-year-old Tuan Huynh, of Anchorage (third-degree sex trafficking charges)
— 54-year-old Guoguo Zhang, of Wasilla, (second and third degree sex trafficking charges)
— 53-year-old Terry Volkman, of Anchorage (third-degree sex trafficking charges)
— 40-year-old Xiong Xiaotian, of New York (second and third degree sex trafficking charges)
— 51-year-old Hong Zhen, of New York (second and third degree sex trafficking charges)
— 44-year-old Hui Zhang (second and third degree sex trafficking charges)
The Alaska Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions is prosecuting all charges, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
“During the operation, investigators worked to identify and contact potential victims. Individuals believed to be victims were offered support services, resources, and assistance through governmental and non-profit victim service organizations,” the Alaska State Troopers noted. “Protecting victims and holding those responsible for exploitation accountable remains a top priority.”
Agencies assisting in the operation include the Anchorage Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, FBI, Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Coast Guard, Wasilla Police and Anchorage Airport Police.
To report suspected human trafficking, make a report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or send a text to 233733.
