(WWJ) Authorities in Oakland County are cracking down on sex trafficking, including at massage parlors.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said at a news conference Tuesday that the collaboration involving police departments and city leaders focused on illicit massage businesses has led to the closure of five businesses, with five others facing eviction.
McDonald said many times the victims are lured to the area under the guise of a better life.
"They are cut off from their families and friends," McDonald said. "They're made to live in these businesses, which are rarely zoned or allowed for residential living, and perform sex acts without almost no interaction from the outside world."
At Tuesday's news briefing, McDonald talked about a mother and son were charged recently with operating illicit massage businesses in Novi and Commerce Township.
Minjie Wu, 54, and her son, Ruize Wu, 28, each with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, one count of Human Trafficking Enterprise Resulting in Commercial Sexual Activity, two counts of Maintaining a House of Prostitution, one count of Third-Degree Money Laundering and one count of False Tax Return.
Minjie Wu is also charged with one count of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office investigated allegations of commercial sexual activity at Novi Natural Health and Massage and Commerce Massage between March and early October of this year. During surveillance, investigators observed women being transported between the businesses and two Novi residences associated with the defendants.
On Oct. 6, 2026, prosecutors said Minjie Wu allegedly made repeated unwanted sexual contact with an undercover detective at the massage parlor, after he declined sexual services.
On Oct. 7, officers executed search warrants at both defendant’s businesses and homes. Officers reportedly recovered cash, gold bars, jewelry, business and financial records, electronic devices and worker passports.
Both defendants were arraigned on Tuesday, with their next court appearance set for December 2.
“Illicit massage businesses entrap vulnerable women into sex trafficking and diminish the quality of life in our communities,” said McDonald. “This case is just the beginning. Our office is working with law enforcement and local leaders to drive these illegal enterprises out of Oakland County.”
Auburn Hills Police Chief Ryan Gagnon told reporters the effort has helped keep suspicious businesses out of his city.
He told a story about a task force officer checking on a group from Chicago that wanted to open a shop.
"Within ten minutes he called me back and he's like, they're already advertising prostitution online," Gagnon said. "And literally he drove down there 30 minutes later and they propositioned for a sex act. It's like, are you kidding me? Without that ordinance and regulation in place...it would've taken much more time and effort to shut them down."
Authorities note that many of the these businesses are operating in plain site. They said anyone who sees something suspicious should give them a call.
Prosecutor Karen McDonald said it's part of a larger sex trafficking crackdown
Prosecutor Karen McDonald said it's part of a larger sex trafficking crackdown
