3 arrested in Mass., Va. brothel bust, but who were the clients?

Sophisticated Brothel Network Allegedly Operating in Boston and Washington, D.C. Areas

A sophisticated brothel network operating in the Boston and Washington, D.C. areas has been uncovered, according to federal prosecutors. The network catered to a wide range of clientele, including politicians and professors. However, the identities of these sex buyers have not been disclosed by federal authorities, who stated that arrests for the purchase of sex would occur at the state level. The three individuals charged this week are accused of violating federal sex trafficking laws.

Club-Like Brothel Functioning on Secrecy and Exclusivity

The brothel, described as “built on secrecy and exclusivity,” operated as a club offering clients menus of predominantly Asian women and services for meet-ups at rented luxury apartments in Cambridge and Watertown, Massachusetts, as well as northern Virginia. Clients paid a membership fee and submitted documents, including driver’s license photos, to be verified for the opportunity to pay up to $600 an hour for sex under the guise of modeling shoots.

Efforts to Bring Charges at State Level

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, responsible for prosecuting state crimes in Cambridge and Watertown, has been contacted to determine if charges will be brought in the investigation. Sex trafficking survivors and a former prosecutor have expressed their belief that the sex buyers should face charges, emphasizing that without their participation, the exploitation would not have occurred.

Identification of Clients through Investigative Methods

Law enforcement has identified the clients through surveillance, phone records, customer interviews, and other investigative methods. According to an affidavit filed in court, clients would arrive at the apartments and be let in by the sex worker without knocking. After providing the agreed-upon payment in cash, they would undress in the bedroom and then be escorted to the bathroom, where they were offered mouthwash and a shower.

Diverse Range of Customers

The customers involved in the brothel operation spanned various professional disciplines, including politicians, pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors with security clearances, professors, lawyers, business executives, technology company executives, scientists, accountants, retail employees, and students. The document also suggests that there may be hundreds more customers who have yet to be identified by investigators.

Potential for Additional Arrests

While elected officials were among the clients of the sex ring, their identities have not been disclosed. However, federal authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests may occur in the future. Former New York prosecutor Lauren Hersh, who ran a sex trafficking unit, believes that after prosecuting the three defendants, there will be numerous sex buyers who will need to face legal consequences.

Investigation Origins and Verification Process

The investigation began with a tip from local law enforcement last summer. The individuals behind the alleged scheme required clients to verify their identities by sharing their driver’s license photo, employer information, credit card number, and paying a monthly fee. Three of the units allegedly involved in the sex ring were located in a building in Cambridge near commuter train tracks.

The individuals charged with prostitution offenses are Han Lee of Cambridge, Massachusetts; James Lee of Torrance, California; and Junmyung Lee of Dedham, Massachusetts. It is unclear if they have legal representation at this time.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the operation of a brothel network and the exploitation of women.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions the involvement of various professionals, including doctors, lawyers, and business executives, in the brothel network.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article focuses on the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the brothel network.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres – Targeting the operation of the brothel network and addressing the exploitation of women.
• SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking – Targeting the dismantling of the brothel network and prosecuting those involved in sex trafficking.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children – Targeting the protection of individuals who may have been trafficked into the brothel network.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• The number of individuals arrested and prosecuted for their involvement in the brothel network can be used as an indicator of progress towards SDG 8.7.
• The number of survivors of sex trafficking identified and provided with support can be used as an indicator of progress towards SDG 16.2.
• The number of cases successfully brought to court and convictions obtained can be used as an indicator of progress towards SDG 5.2.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: nbcboston.com

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