BRANDYWINE HUNDRED, Del. (WPVI) — A human trafficking investigation led to raids at several massage businesses across Delaware and the arrests of four people on prostitution-related charges, police said.
After months of surveillance, authorities said they arrested four individuals and rescued several women they described as victims of human trafficking.
Police said the investigation culminated in coordinated raids at three spas in Hockessin, Brandywine Hundred and Newark, where detectives believe sexual acts were being provided in exchange for money.
“These are victims that are involved. These are true victims,” said Richard Chambers, a master corporal with New Castle County police.
According to police, Mingzi Nan was charged with promoting prostitution, conducting transactions with criminal proceeds and related misdemeanors. Authorities said Nan was jailed after failing to post bail.
Meulan Lanno, Juli Cha and Joseph Johnson were arrested and charged with various felony and misdemeanor offenses related to prostitution, conspiracy, wage theft and criminal nuisance, police said. They were later released on bail.
The investigation began after a tip in 2025 alleging illegal sex acts and potential human trafficking. Detectives with the drug and human trafficking team began monitoring the businesses and determined that clients were being offered sexual acts in exchange for money, police said.
Chambers said some of the women involved were brought to the United States specifically for sex trafficking.
“Some of these people have been brought to this country for the sole purpose of sex trafficking in several manners,” he said.
Detectives believe Johnson and Nan collected money from the spas and transported it to casinos in an effort to conceal its origins.
“The two individuals involved directly were taking the money to casinos locally, then banks making deposits, trying to clean the money,” Chambers said.
Nearly $14,000 was seized during the raids, police said. State authorities are now considering whether to shut down the spas as the four defendants face multiple charges tied to their alleged roles in the scheme.
Police said the women identified as victims are receiving assistance. Authorities also urged the public to report suspected human trafficking by calling a hotline at 302-395-2727.
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