5 Cumberland County massage parlors busted in human trafficking sting

Arrest Made in Human Trafficking Investigation Linked to Massage Parlors in Cumberland County

August 31, 2021

Introduction

One person has been arrested in a human trafficking investigation that uncovered five massage parlors in Cumberland County offering illegal services. The arrest was made as part of OPERATION: Closed2Trafficking, an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking in the county.

Background

OPERATION: Closed2Trafficking aims to identify massage therapy businesses operating as fronts for labor and sex trafficking, which is a violation of Pennsylvania criminal statutes. The investigation is part of a year-long law enforcement initiative to address human trafficking in south central Pennsylvania.

Connection to Min Dong

Investigators served search warrants on five massage parlors on August 31 and discovered that they were all connected to each other and one woman named Min Dong. The businesses involved in the investigation include:

• New Healing Hands Spa, 33 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg (Upper Allen Township)
• 149 Massage, AKA May Spa, 149 South 32nd Street, Camp Hill Borough
• Lily Spa, 305 Herman Ave., Lemoyne
• Mary Spa, 3803 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill (Lower Allen Township)
• JOJO Spa, 5010 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg (Hampden Township)

Community Involvement

The public played a crucial role in this investigation by reporting their concerns to law enforcement. District Attorney Seán McCormack expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement and emphasized the county’s commitment to combating human trafficking. Cumberland County aims to be “Closed to Human Trafficking” and sends a strong message that such operations will not be tolerated.

Arrest and Charges

Min Dong, 54, was arrested and charged with operating a corrupt organization and dealing in unlawful proceeds, among other charges. During the searches, significant amounts of cash and evidence related to labor and sex trafficking were seized by the police.

Collaboration and Agencies Involved

OPERATION: Closed2Trafficking involved the collaboration of more than 12 federal, state, and local agencies, including U.S. Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security, various police departments, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office. The joint effort demonstrates the commitment to addressing human trafficking at multiple levels.

Impact Demand Operations

Prior to OPERATION: Closed2Trafficking, the Cumberland County Human Trafficking Task Force conducted five operations as part of IMPACT DEMAND. These operations focused on identifying and arresting individuals who patronize labor and sex trafficked individuals. To date, 45 individuals have been arrested as a result of these operations.

Business Side of Human Trafficking

The Cumberland County Human Trafficking Task Force simultaneously investigated the business side of human trafficking while conducting Operation Impact Demand publicly. The task force gathered evidence indicating that individuals were being placed in massage parlors for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts as part of a larger labor and sex trafficking scheme.

Message to Sex Buyers

The investigators want to send a clear message to sex buyers who fuel the human trafficking industry. Law enforcement officers are monitoring their activities and are aware of their involvement with these establishments. The investigation aims to hold sex buyers accountable for their contribution to the exploitation of individuals trapped in this existence.

Partnerships and Support

The Cumberland County Human Trafficking Task Force partnered with local community programs dedicated to providing services and opportunities for victims of labor and sex trafficking. Organizations such as Greenlight Operation, Peace Promise, the YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Human Trafficking Services, and the Camp Hill Church of Christ have been instrumental in combating human trafficking in central Pennsylvania.

Regulations and Legislation

District Attorney McCormack highlighted the need for greater legal regulations to ensure that only legitimate massage therapy businesses operate in the community. He advocates for legislation requiring proper licensing and regulation of massage facilities, managers, and employees. Background checks would play a crucial role in distinguishing legitimate businesses from criminal enterprises involved in labor and sex trafficking.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is still ongoing, and law enforcement is examining the evidence seized during OPERATION: Closed2Trafficking. Anyone with information related to this illegal activity is encouraged to contact the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office via email.

Collaboration with Other Counties

OPERATION: Closed2Trafficking was conducted in collaboration with law enforcement authorities in York and Dauphin Counties. A total of 10 massage parlors across the three counties were targeted during this operation.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses a human trafficking investigation involving massage parlors that were operating as fronts for labor/sex trafficking. This issue is connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Human trafficking disproportionately affects women and girls, who are often exploited for sexual purposes.

The issue is also connected to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Labor trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals for forced labor, which goes against the principles of decent work and economic growth.

Furthermore, the issue is connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The investigation and arrest of individuals involved in human trafficking contribute to the goal of achieving justice and strong institutions.

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

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
• Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children

The article highlights the investigation and arrest of individuals involved in human trafficking, which aligns with Target 5.2 of SDG 5. By addressing the issue of human trafficking, efforts are being made to eliminate violence against women and girls in both public and private spheres.

The investigation also aligns with Target 8.7 of SDG 8, which focuses on eradicating forced labor, ending modern slavery and human trafficking. The arrest of individuals involved in labor/sex trafficking contributes to the goal of eliminating these forms of exploitation.

Additionally, the investigation supports Target 16.2 of SDG 16, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children. Human trafficking often involves the exploitation of children, and by addressing this issue, steps are being taken to protect children from such abuses.

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

Yes, the article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

• Number of arrests made in human trafficking investigations
• Amount of evidence seized during searches
• Number of complaints received from the public
• Number of massage parlors identified as fronts for labor/sex trafficking

These indicators provide measurable data that can be used to assess progress in combating human trafficking and achieving the targets under SDGs 5, 8, and 16. The number of arrests made and the amount of evidence seized indicate the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in addressing human trafficking. The number of complaints received from the public and the identification of massage parlors involved in trafficking provide insights into the prevalence and scope of the issue.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: fox43.com

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