WEST BLOOMFIELD (June 4, 2025) — Two women from Farmington Hills and Southfield have been formally charged in connection with a human trafficking operation spanning multiple Metro Detroit communities. The charges follow a months-long investigation by local law enforcement and specialized task forces.
Runping Huang, 61, of Southfield, and Chunxiu Xu, 46, of Farmington Hills, were arraigned this week in separate district courts. They face multiple felony counts stemming from allegations that they operated a trafficking enterprise across several suburban cities, including Novi, Farmington, Livonia, and West Bloomfield.
Widespread Operation Across Oakland County
Authorities say the criminal network coerced women into commercial sex acts under the guise of operating massage parlors. According to a news release from the West Bloomfield Police Department, women were transported from out of state into Michigan, where they were forced into sex work.
🔍 Key Details of the Operation:
- Cities involved: Novi, Farmington, Livonia, West Bloomfield
- Modus operandi: Women were trafficked across state lines and exploited in commercial sex at massage parlors
- Task force: Investigation led by the SONIC Task Force, with assistance from police in Novi, Farmington Hills, Shelby Township, and agencies like Care House of Oakland County
- Victim support: Victims are now receiving services, including safe housing, legal aid, and counseling
“Nobody wants this in their neighborhood,” said Cmdr. Kristie Gruenwald of Novi Police. “It’s important for residents to know that this case does not pose an active threat and that our investigation was highly targeted in scope.”
What Was Found?
The investigation uncovered:
- A cross-state trafficking pipeline
- Commercial sex transactions disguised as legitimate massage services
- Coercion and manipulation tactics used to keep victims compliant
- Profit-driven exploitation, with suspects earning income from illegal sexual activity
Charges include:
- Human trafficking enterprise
- Transporting a person for prostitution
- Operating a criminal enterprise
- Accepting earnings from prostitution
Huang faces additional counts in Southfield District Court related to profiting from sexual exploitation, while Xu was charged in Novi District Court.
Expert Commentary
Law enforcement officials emphasized the careful scope of the investigation and the collaborative nature of the task force.
“These types of crimes are organized and calculated,” said an officer from the SONIC Task Force. “What’s critical is that we identify and stop the networks profiting from human suffering—and that we center victims in our response.”
Safety Measures and Community Response
Residents have been reassured that:
- The operation does not pose a continuing threat to public safety
- Police departments are monitoring similar businesses
- Victims are being protected and supported through coordinated nonprofit partnerships
Community members are encouraged to:
- Report suspicious activity at massage parlors or similar businesses
- Learn to recognize signs of human trafficking, including restricted movement, scripted responses, or visible distress
What’s Next for Oakland County?
Officials are:
- Strengthening local business inspections for massage parlors and similar establishments
- Pushing for increased public awareness and education on identifying human trafficking
- Considering policy updates to improve interagency cooperation and victim protections
“We are committed to ending these operations,” Cmdr. Gruenwald said. “This is not just about criminal charges — it’s about disrupting networks that prey on vulnerable people.”