Police raid Nashville nail salons, massage parlors amid human trafficking, prostitution investigation

0
4426

TENNESSEE — Specialized Investigations Division undercover detectives today raided three Nashville businesses that have been serving as fronts for prostitution for at least several months.

Search warrants are being executed at Shine Nails, 2828 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 107; Blue Sapphire, 211 Donelson Pike and Healing Arts Massage, 4820 Old Hickory Boulevard, Suite B.

An investigation begun in April after the receipt of citizen complaints centered on the potential crimes of prostitution, the promotion of prostitution, money laundering, and human trafficking. During undercover operations, prostitution activities by Asian women were documented at the businesses on three separate occasions each.

Surveillance shows that the businesses are all related and are operated by four individuals, Loi Lam, 57, Jie Allen, 46, Ying Jiang, 27, and Ying Zhang, 33. The four were surveilled driving young Asian women dressed in provocative clothing, most of the time in a minivan, from a home at 1124 Seven Points Pass and a Central Pike apartment to the three businesses. They would also transport the women in between the businesses during the day.

While observing the operations of Shine Nails on July 3rd, detectives saw ten men enter the salon between 9:30 a.m. & 3 p.m. They stayed for durations of between 52 and 78 minutes.

1124 Seven Points Pass Shine Nails, Elm Hill Pike Jie Allen in Custody at Seven Points Pass Home raidowners_1500587002259_63194802_ver1.0_640_480

In addition to raiding the businesses, detectives also searched the home at 1124 Seven Points Pass. That residence, valued at more than $400,000, is in Jie Allen’s name, as are the utilities. Seized from the house today were more than $61,000 cash, records and a new leather sectional with the tags still attached. The police department, in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office, is placing a lien on the property.

Lam, Allen, Jiang, and Zhang are being charged today with promoting prostitution, a felony. Some of the eight women, all from the Peoples Republic of China, who were working in the businesses today received misdemeanor citations for prostitution. Contacts have been made with advocacy groups who assist sex trade victims to help provide interim assistance to the women.

The potential money laundering and human trafficking aspects of this case remain under investigation.

Facebook Comments