Massage parlor owner arrested in human trafficking investigation - Waco Tribune-Herald

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The proprietor of a Waco massage parlor was arrested last month after a lengthy investigation into suspected human trafficking offenses at the business, an arrest affidavit states.

Gui Ning Li, 46, of Dallas, was arrested July 13 in Dallas County on a McLennan County warrant charging aggravated promotion of prostitution. The second-degree felony charge stems from an ongoing investigation that started in 2015 and led detectives to raid Twin Oriental Massage Therapy in late May.

According to the arrest affidavit, McLennan County Sheriff's Office detectives conducted undercover surveillance at the business at 1537 Wooded Acres Drive.

"Surveillance on Twin Oriental has previously been conducted, beginning in 2015 for various periods of time," the affidavit states. "During all periods of surveillance, the only persons entering the establishment are male."

A detective who was operating undercover visited the business for a massage, the affidavit states. A woman, who asked the undercover detective to whisper, offered a sex act for additional money after the massage, which the detective refused, according to the affidavit.

Another undercover detective was also offered sex services at a later date, providing evidence of an ongoing operation, according to the document. On May 30, detectives raided the business, which was in space leased to Li.

Li also rented a nearby apartment where at least two female employees were living, the affidavit states.

"During interviews with the employees, it was determined that Gui Ning Li is the 'boss,' who they pay money to, including money made at the parlor, and rent for living at the apartment," the affidavit states.

Additional investigation after the raid led to detectives issuing an arrest warrant for Li. He was arrested in Dallas County before he posted bond and was released from custody.

"Twin Oriental has been operating in Waco for a very long time, so for years this individual has capitalized on the victimization of immigrant women," Detective Joseph Scaramucci said.


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