Search warrants executed at three Wasilla-area massage businesses; sex trafficking charges filed

Three businesses in the Wasilla-area were part of a sting targeting illicit massage parlors in the Mat-Su and Anchorage areas.

Authorities from a handful of police agencies raided Jasmine Spa, Zen Massage and Stream Health Spa in the Wasilla area Wednesday, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

“State troopers, along with other enforcement partners executed search warrants at three illicit massage businesses,” AST Colonel Maurice Hughes said during a press conference Thursday morning. “Investigations developed evidence that several businesses were operating illicit massage businesses within the Mat-Su Valley. These operations were not legitimate. They were exploiting individual and vulnerable adults."

Hughes said this action followed a year-long investigation.

“As a result, troopers entered, arrested four individuals on felony sexual trafficking charges. Additional charges may be filed at a later time,” he said.

Authorities also executed warrants at four Anchorage businesses: Phoenix Health Spa, Owl Health Spa, Renew Day Spa and Red House Massage.

According to AST, as part of the operation, Lee Van Ness, 72, of Anchorage, was arrested on multiple charges of third-degree sex trafficking; Tuan Huynh, 34, of Anchorage was arrested on multiple charges of third-degree sex trafficking; Guoguo Zhang, 54, of Wasilla, was arrested on multiple charges of second-degree and third-degree sex trafficking; Terry Volkman, 53, of Anchorage, was arrested on multiple charges of third-degree sex trafficking; Xiong Xiaotian, 40, of New York, was arrested on charges of second-degree and third-degree sex trafficking; Hong Zhen Li, 51, of New York, was arrested on charges of second-degree and third-degree sex trafficking; and Hui Zhang, 44, on charges of second-degree and third-degree sex trafficking.

Potential victims at the businesses were not arrested, troopers said.

“A key priority during this operation was identifying and supporting victims. Individuals believed to be victims were contacted by investigators, and offered advocacy, support, and also connected with resources and support organizations. These individuals were not the focus of the investigation. They were the reason for the investigation,” Hughes said.

The joint investigation and efforts included AST. Anchorage Police Department, FBI, Wasilla Police Department and Homeland Security.

None of the potential victims contacted Wednesday were from Alaska, Tony Wegrzyn, Alaska Bureau of Investigation Commander, said during the press conference.

“These type of operations hide in plain sight, appearing as legitimate businesses. Community awareness is key. Something that feels wrong should be reported. Tips from the public can play an important part in moving these investigations along. We will continue to do these investigations. We'll identify illicit operations across Alaska. We will dismantle them, we will ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable,” Hughes said.

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.