Rockland Massage Parlor Possibly Tied to New York Organized Crime - q1065.fm

[Cindy Campbell]

A Maine massage parlor operation has allegedly been linked to sex trafficking and organized crime out of New York.

Rockland Massage Parlor Suspected of Having Ties to New York Human Trafficking​

The investigation into the Asian Massage business in Rockland resulted in police executing a search warrant at the property in December 2024. Rockland Police say that, during the search, many people were interviewed and physical and electronic evidence was seized, some of which is still being processed by Homeland Security. Since the search warrant, Asian Massage is no longer in business in Rockland, but officials say there are several similar operations around the state.

11 Mainers Were Arrested for Engaging a Person for Prostitution Through the Business​

Eleven people from Maine are charged with criminal engaging a person for prostitution in connection with the investigation that led police to uncover suspected ties between the business and organized crime, as well as human trafficking out of New York. Officials say this investigation remains open and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Anne Griffith at AGriffith@RocklandMaine.go

There's no word on whether this investigation is linked to the September 2024 arrest of Richard QIU of Lewiston, who faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking and forced labor. At the time of QIU's arrest, Lewiston Police said he owned several illicit massage parlors around the state. We have inquired of the Rockland Police Department whether the Rockland business belonged to QIU.

What's the Hotline Number for Victims of Human Trafficking?​

If you are a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. More information can be found on the website of the Maine Sex Trafficking and Exploitation Network, which is a program of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Their sexual assault helpline number is 1-800-871-7741.

We'll update this story as more details become available.

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