Fugitive for 4 Years in Human Trafficking Investigation Turns Herself In

A suspect in a sex trafficking ring in four Bay Area counties who has been a fugitive for four years turned herself in to authorities this morning, Hayward police said. The investigation began with Hayward police looking into the activities of a downtown Hayward residence operating as brothel in 2010 after receiving complaints from neighbors. Hayward police eventually concluded the suspects operating that brothel were involved in a widespread prostitution ring operating throughout the Bay Area involving women forced to work as prostitutes, possibly victims of human trafficking.

After a yearlong undercover investigation, on Jan. 20, 2011, search and arrest warrants were served at 10 locations in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties as well as San Francisco. Investigators said women were trafficked from China and Taiwan to work in the various brothels. Ten women were rescued and provided with support services. Ten suspects were charged with various crimes including conspiracy, pimping, pandering and human trafficking. However, one suspect, Wen Yen Gold, eluded capture and has been a fugitive since, police said.

Gold turned herself in to authorities this morning and is facing charges of operating a house of prostitution. Gold has a court date scheduled for Thursday and her attorney is working on a plea agreement, according to police.

By Bay City News

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