Miami Beach Police released new details of an undercover operation dating back to February that led to the closure of three massage parlors in the city – and the arrest of those running the businesses on prostitution charges.
One of those arrested, 38-year-old Liufang Wang, was still in the Miami-Dade Jail on Monday facing charges of soliciting another to commit prostitution and deriving support from proceeds of prostitution.
Undercover officers entered the Normandy Drive business she owns, Shanghai Spa, on eight different dates in which employees would give massages before offering sexual acts in exchange for more money.
Police made additional arrests at Jade Massage, located off 71st Street, after an undercover officer identified 48-year-old Qun Chen as an employee who had offered to perform sex acts for money during a visit. MBPD conducted undercover operations on five different dates during their investigation. Chen faces one count of engaging in prostitution.
Officers also arrested 62-year-old Mi Cha Jones, the owner of Jee Jee Spa on 5th Street, after employees offered to perform sex acts on undercover officers during eight different visits. Two employees told investigators that Jones knew about the offers and they were paid per massage, not a daily salary – saying that the additional propositions were the only way they could make money.
The employees also said they lived in a home owned by Jones, who charged them daily to live there and for food. In addition to a prostitution charge, Jones faces two counts of human trafficking.
All three businesses remain closed as police continue their investigation.
