Massage Parlor Owner Ordered to Leave Industry, Close Eight Locations for Human Trafficking

HOUSTON (KIAH) — A new Texas law that goes into effect September 1, 2023 is on full display in the case of Hsin Wei Chen.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation says the law allows the TDLR executive director to “issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR believes that a human trafficking takes place in the establishment.”

TDLR says a recent inspection found just that at a massage parlor owned by Chen in Houston – Foot Reflexology Star located at 10801 Spring Cypress Road, Suite 12.

“An inspector observed several indicators that are usually present when human trafficking occurs in a massage establishment,” according to an official statement.

On May 30, the TDLR issued an emergency closure order for Foot Reflexology Star, the first such application under the new law.

Settlement agreement reached

Chen has since agreed to leave the massage industry permanently and close the eight massage parlors he owns.

In addition to Foot Reflexology Star, the following are now closed:

• Sunny Foot Massage, 10950 FM 1960 W., Ste. B, Houston
• L&P Massage LLC, 2808 Hwy 6 S., Ste. IA, Houston
• A Massage d/b/a A Reflexology Massage LLC, 2570 I-10 E, Beaumont
• Heavenly Massage LLC d/b/a Heavenly Massage, 12989 Bellaire Blvd, Ste. 7A, Houston
• Everstanding Bliss d/b/a Heavenly Massage, 12989 Bellaire Blvd, Ste. 7A, Houston
• Massage Ivy, 1780 N. Major Dr., Beaumont
• Ly Massage, 17802 W. Little York Rd., Ste. D, Houston

The TDLR warns Chen not to violate the terms of the settlement agreement.

“If Chen is found to be the owner or operator of a massage establishment or a massage therapist in Texas, the TDLR may impose additional sanctions on him,” the press release states.

Report a potential case of human trafficking

There are several ways to report that companies are potentially engaging in human trafficking.

“Anyone who suspects human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733),” the press release states. “If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert authorities. You can also file a complaint against a TDLR-regulated business that you suspect is involved in human trafficking.”