Columbia Woman's Massage Parlor Suspected Of Sex Trafficking, Victims Sought: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — Prostitution charges have been filed against two women, including one who lives in Columbia, who own massage parlors in Laurel, Kensington and Anne Arundel County. Montgomery County Police are searching for former workers at the businesses who they say were trafficking victims.

Detectives have charged Chang Liu, 34, of Columbia and Yinlian Wu, 50, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with prostitution-related charges. Police said in a release that Liu owned massage parlors in Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County and the city of Laurel where employees offered illicit sex acts in exchange for cash. A six-month investigation by the three police departments was launched in October 2023 when detectives learned of possible prostitution and sex trafficking underway at Elegant Spa located in the 10500 block of Metropolitan Avenue in Kensington.

Detectives saw dozens of predominately male customers walked into Elegant Spa daily who provided multiple admissions of illicit sexual activity in exchange for cash at the business. A spa employee then attempted to bribe an inspector from the county health and human services department during an inspection of the business to prevent its closure, the police department said.

On March 6, detectives executed a search and seizure warrant at Elegant Spa, where they arrested Liu, charging her with multiple counts of sex trafficking and prostitution. Wu also was taken into custody on an arrest warrant charging her with attempted bribery of an HHS inspector and multiple counts of prostitution, according to the police department.

Detectives said Liu, Wu and two other women lived inside the spa at various times during the investigation. Evidence seized included an undisclosed amount of cash and one vehicle. Liu and Wu were taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit where they were subsequently released after posting bond. Detectives believe there may be additional victims whom Liu employed. Detectives ask any additional victims to contact them at 240-773-5958.