Woman accused of human trafficking at Des Moines massage parlor, three victims rescued

The Des Moines Police Department's Deputy and Narcotics Control Section has concluded a months-long investigation into a massage parlor on Hull Avenue in Des Moines. A Des Moines woman was arrested on three human trafficking charges and three victims were rescued.

An investigation began in January of this year after reports of suspicious activity at a massage parlor located at 852 Hull Ave. in Des Moines, according to a news release from the Des Moines Police Department. Investigators executed a search warrant at the business Wednesday.

Huirong Zhou, 42, of Des Moines, was arrested following the search and is currently being held in the Polk County Jail.

The three victims were found during the search.

“Polk County Victim Services helps find safe housing and connects victims with support and recovery services,” according to the press release.

Investigators also found evidence indicating forced labor and commercial sexual activity, the release said. More than $80,000 was seized.

In 2016, concerns were raised about the proliferation of massage parlors across the state, citing a parlor located at the same address named Asian Tuina. He allegedly offered acupressure and reflexology to “pretty girls” and “free table showers” ​​behind curtained booths.

Then, in 2019, a salon operating in the same location under a different name was the subject of a three-part series by Register Watchdog Lee Rood, where clients recorded audio of massages in locations that had been l is the subject of widespread criticism on a website where paying subscribers compare erotic massages and “happy endings.”

The investigation into the Asian Tuina is ongoing.

Kyle Werner is a reporter for theRegister. Contact him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Woman charged with trafficking after victims rescued at massage parlor.