Police: 2 women arrested for sex trafficking, prostitution at Maryland massage parlors

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Montgomery County police said officers arrested two women who were running a sex trafficking and prostitution network at massage parlors in Kensington, Laurel and Anne Arundel County.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP) said that it first learned about possible prostitution and sex trafficking in a Kensington spa in October of 2023.

Police then launched an investigation into the Elegant Spa in the 10500 block of Metropolitan Ave. During those six months, police saw people — mostly men — entering and leaving Elegant Spa daily.

Police said that people admitted to “illicit sexual activity in exchange for U.S. currency that occurred inside the business.” MCDP also said that an employee had tried bribing a Health and Human Services inspector to avoid the spa getting shut down.

Virginia remembers those killed at Virginia Tech on 17th anniversary of mass shooting

On March 6, officials arrested and charged 34-year-old Chang Liu, of Columbia, Maryland with multiple counts of sex trafficking and prostitution.

Police also arrested and charged 50-year-old Yinlian Wu of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with attempted bribery of an HHS inspector and multiple counts of prostitution.

Police obtained items, money and a car as evidence.

Liu and Wu were released on bail.

Officials believe there might be more victims and encourage those who used to work at the massage parlors to come forward. You can reach police at 240-773-5958.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.