PLANO, Texas — Six massage parlors were shut down across Texas following an investigation into suspected human trafficking, including one in North Texas, officials say.
An investigation by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) found advertisements offering sexual services connected to the massage parlors, according to a press release.
Investigators also found evidence that employees were living at some of the locations, employees working without licenses, and “sexual paraphernalia” on site, officials say.
Following the investigation, TDLR issued a six-month emergency closure for six businesses effective June 16, officials say.
The six businesses ordered to close as part of the investigation are:
- Massage A+, 3211 W. Wadley Ave., Ste. 12 in Midland
- Healing Garden Massage, 956 S. Fry Road in Katy
- Massage Pro 1, 2150 FM 2920 Road, Ste. 200 in Spring
- Massage Invite, 2685 Highway 6 S. in Houston
- Yu Spa, 2001 Coit Road, Ste. 169 in Plano
- YY Spa, 501 Birdwell Ln., Ste. 17 in Big Spring
Officials say the six businesses are owned by the same person. The owner, Wanli Peng, as well as Houston P&L Massage Therapy and Dallas Health Care Enterprise, were ordered to stop operations at the businesses and were barred from operating different massage establishments at the locations, according to TDLR.
In addition to indicators of human trafficking, a customer reported to police that an employee at Yu Spa in Plano touched him inappropriately during a massage, officials say. An employee was subsequently arrested for prostitution for inappropriately touching an undercover police officer and offering sexual services for pay after the complaint, officials say.
Peng also allegedly surrendered his license for Morris Spa in Flower Mound after investigations allegedly showed signs of human trafficking, officials say.
Peng was also found to be operating Chi Kung Foot Spa in Dallas without a license, where a joint investigation between TDLR and Dallas Police revealed signs of human trafficking, officials say.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation says it’s issued 49 emergency orders relating to human trafficking, resulting in the license revocation of 51 massage establishments since late 2023.
A law passed that took effect in 2023 allows TDLR to issue emergency orders shutting down operations at massage parlors if law enforcement or TDLR find evidence or indicators that human trafficking is occurring, according to a press release.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).