Calgary massage parlours shut down over allegations of human trafficking
Police have closed three Calgary massage parlours after a year-long investigation uncovered alleged links to human trafficking.
The investigation was launched in February 2023 after officers received a tip about suspicious activity at Moonlight Massage in the 4300 block of Macleod Trail.
The investigation led to the closure of the business in December 2023, after the landlord identified illegal suites on the premises.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams' (ALERT) human trafficking unit arrested Hai (Anna) Yan Ye, on April 16, charging the 48-year-old with advertising sexual services, drug offences and firearms offences.
Ye was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions.
According to ALERT, Ye was linked to three commercial properties and two homes that were allegedly being used for illegal sexual activities and services.
The massage parlours include:
- Seagull Massage at 1034 8 Avenue S.W.;
- 128 Massage at 1935 37 Street S.W., and
- The One Massage Centre at 1919 31 Street S.E.
The homes were located in the 1100 block of Hidden Valley Drive and the 3100 block of 12 Avenue S.W.
Police have three Calgary massage parlours after a year-long investigation uncovered alleged links to human trafficking. During a search of all five properties, police seized various drugs, $15,000 in cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime and a shotgun with ammunition.
"We believe that these were immigrants being exploited into the sex trade," said ALERT Staff Sgt. Gord MacDonald in a news release.
"This has been a common trend that takes advantage of their unfamiliarity and vulnerability."
Four victims were identified and provided resources by ALERT’s safety network coordinators.
Anyone with information about the investigation, or any case involving suspected human trafficking, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.
Fish oil supplements may raise risk of stroke, heart issues, study suggests
As an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, daily fish oil supplements are a popular way to keep the risk of cardiovascular disease at bay.
DEVELOPING Republican National Committee in Washington evacuated after blood vials received in package
The headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C., was briefly evacuated on Wednesday morning after a suspicious package containing two vials of blood was delivered to the building, the police said.
Private island on Nova Scotia's South Shore listed for $15.8M
A private island on Nova Scotia’s South Shore has been listed for sale with a $11.5-million USD price tag.
'Happy tears' of victim's sister after prison attack on serial killer Robert Pickton
Cynthia Cardinal said she was 'overwhelmed' with happiness when she received a text message on Monday with the news that serial killer Robert Pickton, who murdered her sister, was attacked in prison. She called it 'karma.'
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Interpol says more than 1,500 stolen Canadian vehicles identified since February
Interpol says more than 200 stolen Canadian vehicles have been found each week across the globe since February.
Thunderstorms with tornado risk in some areas in Ontario, snow elsewhere in Canada
Canadians can expect a mixed bag of weather, with forecasts warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and snow in some areas across western Canada.
Judge in Tennessee blocks effort to put Elvis Presley's former home Graceland up for sale
A Tennessee judge on Wednesday blocked the auction of Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, by a company that claimed his estate failed to repay a loan that used the property as collateral.