Woman Charged For Operating Brothel at Greenville Massage Parlor, Police Say
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Police have arrested a 37-year-old woman accused of operating a brothel out of a Greenville massage parlor following a coordinated investigation into possible human trafficking.
Investigation Began After Traffic Stops Revealed Sexual Activity
According to the Greenville Police Department (GPD), the probe began in September after officers received tips about suspicious activity at Amazing Massage, located at 1013 B North Pleasantburg Drive.
As part of the investigation, GPD conducted several traffic stops involving individuals leaving the business. Multiple people reportedly admitted to receiving sexual services inside the establishment, prompting officers to obtain a search warrant.
Search Warrant Leads to Arrest and Evidence Collection
On Thursday, Greenville police executed a search warrant at the business with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and federal partners, including the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Authorities said two individuals were detained during the raid. Officers recovered bodily fluids and other evidence consistent with the operation of a brothel, confirming suspicions that sexual activity was taking place on the premises.
The business owner, identified as Yujie Chen, was arrested and charged with prostitution for operating a brothel. She was booked into the Greenville County Detention Center, where she remains in custody under an immigration detainer issued by ICE.
Part of National Anti-Human Trafficking Operation
Police said the raid was part of “Operation Coast to Coast,” a national anti-human trafficking effort involving more than 150 law enforcement agencies across 15 states.
According to officials, this year’s operation led to 34 arrests, the identification of 68 adult victims, and the rescue of three minors who were trafficked.
Greenville Police Chief Howie Thompson praised the coordinated effort between agencies, noting that such operations are vital to addressing hidden networks of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“This partnership helps ensure that illegal operations exploiting vulnerable people are uncovered and shut down,” he said.
Connection to Previous Investigations in Greenville
Thursday’s arrest marks the latest in a series of investigations targeting similar businesses across Greenville. Last month, searches were carried out at 5K Spa on Parkins Mill Road and Stress Away on North Pleasantburg Drive.
Authorities also confirmed that Amazing Massage was previously searched in July 2024 for alleged prostitution activities, though no arrests were made at that time.
The current investigation remains ongoing, with local, state, and federal agencies continuing to collaborate on leads tied to broader human trafficking operations.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to potential trafficking or prostitution to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Follow SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continued updates on this developing case and other South Carolina crime news.
