Woman arrested for promoting prostitution during raid of massage parlor near Downtown
ALBUQUERQUE – Detectives with APD’s High Risk Victims Unit worked with special agents from the Governor’s Organized Crime Commission to raid an illegal massage parlor near Downtown Wednesday evening.
The detectives and special agents executed a search warrant on the unlicensed business located at 1007 Luna Circle, N.W., near Lomas Blvd. and 12th St. They arrested Mei Chien Wu, 50, and charged her with promoting prostitution. More than $5,500 in cash was seized, along with several working cell phones.
The special agents with the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission, started the investigation into the business in June after identifying it on a web site with images of young, Asian females, and promotes potential illegal activity, including sex services.
The Special Agents contacted APD’s Special Victim’s section to assist with the investigation. Members of APD’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit and the Major Crime Scene Team assisted with the raid today.
Detectives and agents conducted surveillance and observed several males entering and exiting the business in a pattern that suggested prostitution.
Investigators also learned that Mei Chien Wu had a history of human trafficking (forced labor), prostitution, and pimping in California.
The investigation into the massage parlor is continuing.