Six people have been arrested after nearly 100 federal, state and local officers raided nine massage businesses across metropolitan Atlanta as part of a months-long human trafficking investigation.
Search warrants were carried out simultaneously on Tuesday, September 29, by the Peachtree City Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit and officers from the Tyrone Police Department.
The businesses targeted included Oak and Stone Massage on East Highway 54 in Peachtree City, Serene Spa and Healing Massage in Tyrone, and Ivy Massage on Cheshire Bridge Road in Atlanta.
Investigators charged Yuhan Zhang with alleged violations of Georgia’s RICO Act, pimping and keeping a place of prostitution. Yang Wu faces the same charges, as well as allegations of masturbation for hire and prostitution.
Haoran Zou and Yuhong Wei were each charged with an alleged RICO Act violation, pimping and keeping a place of prostitution. Charles Shetterly and Anthony Ramsey were each charged with an alleged violation of the RICO Act.
The charges are allegations and have not been tested in court.
During the operation, victim advocates and interpreters from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations offered support to nine people identified as potential human trafficking victims.
Police also seized eight vehicles and more than $400,000 in cash. Bank accounts believed to be linked to the investigation were frozen.
Authorities have not said whether further arrests are expected, but the investigation remains active. Additional charges could follow as evidence gathered during the raids is reviewed.
