What we know about major human trafficking ring busted at massage parlors in Oakland, Wayne counties - WDIV ClickOnDetroit

[Sara Powers]

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A Livonia woman has been charged in connection to a human trafficking investigation involving illegal activity at massage parlors in Oakland and Wayne counties, officials announced.

Zixuan Wan, 44, was charged with two counts of human trafficking and keeping a house of prostitution after a four-month investigation into the massage parlors the woman operated.

Four women from China who don’t speak English were rescued from three separate massage parlors operated by Wan, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said during a press conference on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Investigators learned that the women were allegedly being forced to live in the massage parlors in Commerce Township, Farmington Hills and Westland, working from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. They provided massages to a mostly male clientele.

The prosecutor said they didn’t have access to transportation, medical care or friends and family.

In addition, the women allegedly received no or minimal payment for their work.

While there is evidence that shows the victims were forced to participate in sex work, the case also highlights the problem of labor trafficking, according to the prosecutor.

“Trafficking, whether it be for labor, and in this case there’s elements of both, there was a promise for work once they came to this country, sex trafficking, it all depends on one critical thing— a vulnerable victim."

The charges come after the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office brought together law enforcement officials and mental health professionals for a human trafficking training course last year.

In November 2024, just days after receiving that training, Farmington Hills police began investigating Wan.

While investigating Wan’s massage parlor in Farmington Hills, they learned that the Westland Police Department Special Investigations Unit and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit were also investigating other massage businesses that Wan operated in their jurisdictions.

A coordinated investigation ensued, and on March 5, authorities conducted search warrants at the woman’s massage businesses in Farmington Hills, Commerce Township and Westland, her home in Livonia, and banks where authorities believed illegal funds were being deposited.

Investigators identified homes, vehicles and commercial real estate that appear to have been paid for through this criminal enterprise.

About $140,000 in cash was seized from a safety deposit box associated with the suspect during the investigation.

The women were rescued and taken to Common Ground and CARE House in Oakland County to receive victim services.

“Finally, I want to just say, to the customers of these illicit massage parlors, that a sexual massage may seem like a victimless crime or a consensual transactional act, but for trafficking victims, they do not have the ability to consent,” said McDonald. “It is not a victimless crime. Take responsibility for how your actions may enable trafficking and the abuse of vulnerable women.”

And if that’s not enough to prompt change, McDonald said that her office can and will prosecute customers who do business with sex traffickers.

Wan was arraigned on Thursday, March 6, 2025, and a not guilty plea was entered on her behalf.

She was given a $100,000 personal bond with the conditions that her passport must be surrendered and that she must wear a GPS tether if released.

Her preliminary examination conference is set for March 21.

“The successful outcome of this investigation is the result of the strong partnerships that the Farmington Hills Police Department maintains with agencies throughout Oakland County and beyond,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott in a release. “I’m continually impressed with the men and women of the Farmington Hills Police Department who are constantly seeking out training opportunities and bringing the skills learned back to the Department. These skills directly lead to law enforcement intervention, rescuing these vulnerable women from further exploitation. Because of their excellent work and our collaboration with outside agencies, a dangerous human trafficker will be held accountable.”

The chief also asked residents and business owners to report unusual business activity to the authorities.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.

You can watch the full press conference in the video below: