Secret family-run criminal empire busted for pimping, illegal sex operation collapses
Members of a Chinese family-run crime ring that allegedly used massage parlors as fronts for pimping, prostitution and human trafficking are facing years behind bars in Ventura County.Prosecutors say the pay-for-sex empire was run by Xiangwei Ma, 56, along with her husband, Ming Ma, 40; her brother, Xiangdong Ma, 54; and her sister, Li Ma, 60.A Ventura County jury found all four guilty of multiple felonies on Sept.24 and 29 for their roles in what prosecutors say was a sprawling pimping operation that ran for more than a decade.“Illicit massage businesses are often fronts for human trafficking and pimping where victims are coerced into performing commercial sex work,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said.“This case demonstrates our commitment to use the full weight of this office to hold these offenders accountable,” he added.The investigation into the Ma family began in 2020, when several law enforcement agencies received anonymous letters detailing alleged prostitution and human trafficking at Ventura County massage parlors, including Miracle Massage in Ventura and A+ Massage in Port Hueneme.Investigators determined that members of the Ma family worked together to operate brothels disguised as legitimate massage parlors, recruiting and exploiting women from China for commercial sex, according to the Ventura County DA’s Office.The family also allegedly moved and concealed at least $1.25 million in prostitution profits, laundering the cash through financial institutions, life insurance policies, casinos and real estate transactions.
Prosecutors are now seeking to seize the assets.The operation allegedly ran through a string of seedy massage parlors where customers paid for sex rather than a rubdown.All of the businesses have since closed.One was Miracle Massage on Main Street in Ventura, where online reviews raised red flags about what was happening behind the doors.“It is 100% a massage place that is for guys looking for a happy e...