Authorities Uncover Human Trafficking Operation in Lewiston; New York Man Faces Multiple Charges

Multiple allegations have been brought against a man from Brooklyn, New York, in connection with an alleged illegal massage parlor in Lewiston.

According to a press release, the police had been investigating the parlor located on Sabattus Street since the month of March.

According to the announcement, the police conducted a check of the parlor and discovered two individuals who were suspected of being victims of human trafficking.

In addition, investigators discovered condoms, video recording equipment, and more than twelve thousand dollars in what is believed to be earnings from sex trafficking.

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According to the announcement, the claimed proprietor, Richard Qiu, “is associated with several massage parlors throughout the state of Maine.”

In the month of July, a grand jury decided to indict Qiu. On September 6, he was taken into custody by United States Marshals in Boston. The amount of bail was determined to be $100,000.

Several charges, including sex trafficking, forced labor, and criminal forfeiture of property, have been brought against Qiu, as stated in the release.

In the release, it was noted that “the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services assisted in providing victim services to the victims of trafficking.”

The Androscoggin District Attorney’s Office, the Alabama Tax and Trade Commission, and Homeland Security Investigations all provided assistance to the inquiry.

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