Mom, Son Charged In Oakland County Human Trafficking Investigation: Prosecutor

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Oakland County officials have charged a mother and son with human trafficking crimes connected to massage parlors, according to sheriff's officials.

Minjie Wu, 54, and her son, Ruize Wu, were charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, one count of human trafficking enterprise resulting in commercial sexual activity, two counts of maintaining a house of prostitution, one count of third-degree money laundering and one count of false tax return.

Minjie Wu was also charged with one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

They were both placed in jail with a $50,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Officials began watching the Novi Natural Health and Massage and Commerce Massage in March 2025 after they received reports of commercial sexual activity happening at the parlors.

Minjie Wu and her son were associated with both parlors, officials said.

Between then and Oct. 7, investigators observed women being transported between the businesses and two Novi residences associated with Minjie and her son, officials said.

Investigators also sent several undercover agents into the parlors, which offered sexual services in exchange for money, officials said.

During one undercover operation, officials said an agent was subjected to unwanted sexual contact, resulting in an additional criminal sexual conduct charge.

On Oct. 7, 2026, officials searched four locations in connection with the investigation. They seized more than $47,000 in cash, designer merchandise valued at more than $75,000, two vehicles and additional other evidence.

They also discovered an unclothed employee with an unclothed customer at one of the massage parlors, officials said.

"Illicit massage businesses entrap vulnerable women into sex trafficking and diminish the quality of life in our communities," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "This case is just the beginning. Our office is working with law enforcement and local leaders to drive these illegal enterprises out of Oakland County."

Investigators believe the victims were from China and were housed in homes associated with Minjie Wu and her son.

At one home, investigators discovered multiple rooms constructed in the basement that appeared designed to accommodate additional workers, raising further concerns about the scope and organization of the suspected operation.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard asked anyone with information regarding suspected human trafficking to call the human trafficking prevention task force at 248-858-0411.

"Human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals have no place in our communities, and we will continue dedicating the resources necessary to identify, investigate and dismantle these operations," Bouchard said.