Fort Worth massage parlor shut down by state for suspected human trafficking
Paradise Massage Center, operated by Byung Eui Son at 3509 Williams Road in Fort Worth, has been closed by the state, and its owners will not be able to open a massage parlor at that location for the next 12 months.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said it shut the business down due to suspected human trafficking.
A statement from TDLR said recent inspections and investigation of the business found:
- Several indicators of possible human trafficking
- An unlicensed massage therapist who was dressed in revealing clothing
- Evidence that employees were living in the establishment
- Evidence of sexual activity occurring at the business
- The establishment staff were unable to produce copies of any client consultation documents or billing records for clients as required by Texas law.
- An online investigation found that the massage parlor was advertising on illicit websites.
Texas law allows state to close massage parlors
Under a state law that took effect in 2023, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation can issue emergency orders halting the operation of any massage business if law enforcement or state investigators find evidence or indicators of human.
The department said that since late 2023, it has issued 50 emergency orders relating to human trafficking, impacting 69 locations and resulting in the license revocation of 52 illicit massage establishments.
The owners of several massage parlors in North Texas have been banned for life from working in Texas because of licensing violations.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). If the situation is an emergency, or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities.
Complaints to Texas state officials can be filed online.