Four illicit massage parlors in North Carolina have been shut down after Hope for Justice provided critical evidence to law enforcement.
Our team was asked to assist with two separate investigations into suspected illicit massage businesses operating in Cumberland County. Three survivors of trafficking have been identified and referred to NGOs to aid in their long-term recovery. Three people have been arrested on felony charges.
Stock image, North Carolina law enforcement
In February this year, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) contacted Hope for Justice (after another NGO recommended our team). They asked us to assist in their investigation of an illicit massage business by working with the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT), based in Raleigh. Together, we provided the CCSO with open-source intelligence, regulated data and information from the NCBMBT records relating to this case.
North Carolina Investigator Chris Kenefick said: “It is great to see law enforcement working together to address this issue in our communities. We at Hope for Justice are glad to partner with law enforcement to bring light to this dark problem and assist survivors with rebuilding their lives.”
Following further investigation by the CCSO, last week (on Tuesday June 16), law enforcement searched three illicit massage businesses and two homes in Cumberland County. This resulted in:
- The owner and the manager of an illicit massage parlor both being arrested and charged with felonies.
- Two survivors being identified. Hope for Justice helped bring the survivors to safety and helped them transition to NGOs that can assist with their long-term recovery.
- Three illicit massage businesses being closed down. The owners of the property were notified of the criminal activities taking place at the premises. This could result in civil action against them if the ongoing illicit massage business remains a leaseholder on their property.
As part of a second investigation, Hope Mills Police Department (HMPD) carried out a search warrant at an illicit massage parlor in Hope Mills, North Carolina. This was conducted alongside CCSO on the same day (Tuesday June 16). This resulted in:
- The manager of the illicit massage business being arrested on felony charges. Hope for Justice provided outreach to this individual because we suspected they were being exploited by the business owner.
- A survivor being identified at the premises. Hope for Justice provided outreach to the survivor.
- The illicit massage business being closed down. The owner of the property has been notified of the criminal activity.
Richard Schoeberl, our United States Team Leader, said: “Due to severe debt bondage, psychological coercion, and language barriers, victims almost never self-report; these investigations into illicit massage parlors require proactive work from our investigators in North Carolina. None of this would happen without them.”
