Hot Springs massage parlor under investigation for prostitution, human trafficking - thv11.com

[Samantha Romano]

During the raid, police seized over $22,000, along with money from Turkey, Thailand, and Colombia, and about 100 unused condoms.



HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — An investigation is ongoing following a raid on May 22 at AI Massage on Central Avenue in Hot Springs, a business believed to be enabling prostitution and human trafficking.


More than $22,000 in U.S. currency was seized during the operations, along with money from Turkey, Thailand, and Colombia, and about 100 unused condoms.


While no arrests have been made at this time, officials confirmed that suspects have been identified.


Three victims were provided services and aid from local victim advocacy groups. One victim shared that she came to the U.S. from Mexico after responding to an online ad in China for work, not of a sexual nature.


Attorney General Tim Griffin released the following statement:


“This operation stems from intelligence gathered during Operation Obscured Vision, an effort my office coordinated in January with local law enforcement agencies targeting suspected illicit massage parlors in multiple locations throughout the state.


“I am committed to shutting down these hotbeds of human trafficking and Chinese criminal interference in our way of life.

“I am grateful for the invaluable cooperation of the Hot Springs Police Department, 18th East Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Lawrence, Arkansas State Police, Into the Light, and the Northwest Arkansas Center for Sexual Assault’s REACH program. I will update the public on this case as it develops.”