Livonia woman charged with human trafficking, running prostitution businesses in metro Detroit - Hometown Life

[Susan Bromley]

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Zixuan Wan, 44, is charged with human trafficking offenses related to her massage businesses in Farmington Hills, Westland, and Commerce Township.Police rescued several human trafficking survivors residing within the businesses and seized firearms and approximately $140,000 in cash.
FARMINGTON HILLS — A Livonia woman whom police say ran a massage business here, as well as in Westland and Commerce Township, has been charged with human trafficking.

Farmington Hills Police announced in a Wednesday press release they arrested Zixuan Wan, 44, after a four-month coordinated effort with special investigations units from Westland Police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.

On March 5, the three agencies conducted search warrants on Wan's businesses as well as her Livonia home and found "several human trafficking survivors" residing within the massage businesses, police said.

These survivors were subsequently taken to Common Ground and CARE House of Oakland County for victim services. Police said they have so far seized several firearms and approximately $140,000 during their investigation.

Search warrants were also executed on banks where proceeds from illegal acts were believed to have been deposited, and more charges are expected, police said.Wan was arraigned last week in front of 47th District Court Magistrate Michael Sawicky on felony charges of human trafficking enterprise resulting in commercial sexual activity; human trafficking enterprise; and keeping a house of prostitution.

Bradley Friedman, Wan's defense attorney, declined to comment.

The investigation began in November, days after members of the Farmington Hills Police Department Directed Patrol Unit attended an Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office training course on detecting andcombating human trafficking.

“I’m continually impressed with the men and women of the Farmington Hills Police Department who are constantly seeking out training opportunities and bringing the skills learned back to the Department," Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott said. "These skills directly lead to law enforcement intervention rescuing these vulnerable women from further exploitation. Because of their excellent work and our collaboration with outside agencies, a dangerous human trafficker will be held accountable.”

Wan was given a $100,000 personal bond with conditions including a GPS tether and surrender of her passport.

A pre-exam conference for Wan is set for 9 a.m., March 21 before 47th District Court Judge Marla Parker.

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Contact reporter Susan Bromley at [email protected]