In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a significant arrest has been made in connection to an ongoing investigation into human trafficking and prostitution. The owner of three local massage parlors was taken into custody on Thursday, marking a pivotal development in the case.

Captain Phil Simpson revealed that the investigation, which has spanned roughly 18 months, was sparked by complaints from both residents and neighboring businesses. The operation involved undercover officers and detailed surveillance to gather evidence.

The suspect, identified as 70-year-old Jianping Chen, is facing four charges of second-degree promoting prostitution. Chen owns three massage parlors in Tuscaloosa County: Apple Massage Spa, TuiNa Massage, and Eastern Massage. Authorities have enlisted the help of Mandarin-speaking linguists to communicate with nine women found residing in these establishments.

“The services being offered were unmistakably illicit,” Simpson stated. “Our goal is to combat these activities and protect those being exploited every time someone visits these parlors under the guise of a massage.”