Joint Task Force Shuts Down Trafficking Ring Following Year-Long Investigation

A year-long investigation into suspected sex trafficking in Alaska culminated last week with a multi-agency task force raiding seven "illicit massage parlors" in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) and Anchorage, resulting in multiple arrests and the rescue of 11 victims.

The operation, led by the Anchorage Police Department (APD), Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the FBI Anchorage Field Office, targeted businesses allegedly operating as fronts for commercial sexual exploitation. The raids resulted in the rescue of 11 victims and the arrest of several individuals linked to the illicit network.

Following leads that suggested local businesses were being used to exploit vulnerable individuals, investigators spent months gathering evidence on what they describe as a sophisticated criminal enterprise. The Alaska Department of Law’s criminal and civil divisions worked alongside federal and local agents to build the case.

Authorities identified these businesses as fronts for organized criminal activity and commercial sexual exploitation. The targeted locations included Jasmine Spa; Zen Massage; Stream Health Spa of Wasilla; Phoenix Health Spa; Owl Health Spa; Renew Day Spa; and Red House Massage of Anchorage. Two Anchorage residences were also searched as part of the operation.

Eleven victims were rescued during the raids. Investigators noted that all victims were from outside of Alaska and have since been offered support services through government and non-profit organizations.

As part of the operation, at least five individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the ring:

--Guoguo Zhang, 54, of Wasilla: Second and Third-Degree Sex Trafficking.

--Lee Van Ness, 72, of Anchorage: Third-Degree Sex Trafficking.

--Tuan Huynh, 34, of Anchorage: Third-Degree Sex Trafficking.

--Terry Volkman, 53, of Anchorage: Third-Degree Sex Trafficking.

--Xiong Xiaotian, 40, of New York: (Charges pending/specified).

All charges are being prosecuted by the Alaska Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

During the operation, investigators worked to identify and contact potential victims. Individuals believed to be victims were offered support services, resources, and assistance through governmental and non-profit victim service organizations. Protecting victims and holding those responsible for exploitation accountable remains a top priority.

APD, AST, and FBI officials would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), the U.S. Coast Guard, Wasilla Police Department, and the Anchorage Airport Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and operation.

If you are a victim of, or suspect, human trafficking, you can make a report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or send a text to 233733.