Massage Parlor Owner Accused of Human Trafficking in Minnesota

Ying He, the owner of Massage Therapy in Willmar, Minnesota, is accused of severe abuse and exploitation of one of his employees. The story, as reported by the New York Post, has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, raising major worries about human trafficking and worker exploitation.

According to accounts, the distress call that resulted in He’s arrest came from a terrified woman discovered crying on the massage parlor floor. When authorities arrived at the scene, they used her phone’s translation software to talk with her. They unearthed a terrible story of captivity and coercion.

The woman told investigators that he had physically assaulted her, smacking her on the head and causing disorientation and headache. She described being confined to a dark, small room with little access to food and drink. Her freedom was severely restricted, and she was forced to comply with client demands, which allegedly included engaging in sexual activity.

He allegedly deceived and exploited the woman, who had flown from Southern California to Minnesota in pursuit of genuine massage jobs. She hired a Los Angeles firm for $100 to find suitable employment, believing she was entering non-sexual labor. Instead, she discovered herself locked in a nightmare scenario staged by He.

It is said that He had complete control over the victim’s life, controlling when she could eat and bathe and denying her the ability to leave the facility. She felt unable to flee, fearful of retaliation because he reportedly promised that his vast ties in the legal profession would assure her arrest.

Despite the victim’s horrifying description, Ying He firmly denies all wrongdoing, including torture and detention. However, officials have filed accusations against him, including a felony charge of enticing someone to conduct prostitution.