Methuen, Massachusetts, massage parlors shut down in human trafficking investigations
chinese state security probably has video of everything Play Video Updated: 4:42 PM EDT Sep 29, 2025 Editorial Standards ⓘ Sera Congi Reporter Emily Maher Reporter Kaitlin Gehlhaus Reporter MALDEN, Mass. — Two spas that were being used as fronts for human trafficking were shut down in less than 24 hours in Methuen, Massachusetts, officials said. The manager of one of the businesses faces related charges. Officials obtained a search warrant for Beauty Garden Spa on Wallace Street earlier this month after a lengthy investigation. During the search, police said they found living quarters for two women in the basement of the commercially zoned building. Advertisement Police notified the Methuen Department of Health, Human Services and Inspections, which immediately ordered the business closed, citing "the unlawful habitation of individuals within a commercial premises lacking the requisite residential facilities and accommodations necessary to support lawful occupancy." Police said they found several computers, phones and business records that were used in their ongoing investigation and interviewed two women who were working in the spa. Suping Zhu, 38, of Flushing, New York, was arrested Friday and charged with deriving support from prostitution, keeper of a house of ill fame, and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. Zhu was arraigned Monday in Lawrence District Court and held on $25,000 bond. "To the 'Johns' fueling this despicable trade, know this: You are not invisible, and we are targeting you next with the full might of the law. Human trafficking and sexual servitude are not victimless crimes. They exploit the vulnerable, destroy lives and poison our community. We will relentlessly pursue every perpetrator to ensure they face justice. This is only the beginning, and the Methuen Police Department, backed by our community and law enforcement partners, will not rest until these crimes are eradicated from our city,” Methuen Police Department Chief Scott McNamara said. The Beauty Garden Spa has remained closed since the search warrant was served. Additional charges are possible as an investigation continues, police said. Also, on Monday, Methuen health officials posted a cease and desist order on the door of Eastern Bodywork Therapy at 17 Hampshire St. The order states that the business does not hold a required state license for massage therapy services, and inspectors said they referred the property to police for review. Within hours, city officials announced the location was also an alleged front for sex trafficking. City officials said an inspector found the site was being used for unlicensed bodywork but also observed that "unlawful habitation and other materials consistent with criminal activity were found in plain view." Corporation records indicate that both spas filed with the state this summer. Beauty Garden Spa Inc. filed with the state on May 26, and Tranquil Bodywork Spa Inc. filed in connection with the Hampshire Street location on Aug. 27. Mayor D.J. Beauregard followed the news of the two sex trafficking investigations by announcing the city will form a new human trafficking task force with the stated goal to "root out such establishments citywide by holding individual perpetrators and the landlords profiting from these illegitimate businesses accountable." Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Man makes shocking confession to killing parents during live TV interview We tested 68 walking shoes. 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