Human trafficking probe launched after Chinese woman found living in massage ... -...

[massage]

A Chinese woman arrested at a Poconos massage parlor Friday was brought to this country specifically to work as a prostitute, authorities said.

Monroe County detectives charged Mei Zhao, 43, with prostitution, and during questioning learned she had been in the country only five days.

Zhao told detectives she had a visa and was picked up in New York City, then taken to Vivi Bodyworks at 7 S. Seventh St. in Stroudsburg.


Zhao said someone was supposed to pick her up in a few days and replace her with another woman. Zhao would then be taken to another massage parlor to work.

Detectives served a search warrant at the massage parlor and found that Zhao had been living there. They said Zhao used a sink spray to shower, had a rice cooker for food and had little clothing in her suitcase.

Detectives also discovered that the massage parlor was under video surveillance, which was being monitored by the person who brought Zhao to the country.

The investigation began Friday after a detective responded to an ad on backpage.com.

An undercover detective was directed to go the 700 block of Main Street and bring a box of condoms and $130 for sex, court records show. When the undercover detective arrived, a woman, later identified as Zhao, walked up to him, hugged him and told him to follow her to the massage parlor, records show.

Detectives served a search warrant and found ropes, whips and cellphones in the parlor.

— Manuel Gamiz Jr.


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