A massage parlor in Cypress was closed by the State of Texas after its inspectors discovered possible evidence of human trafficking. Following a recent regular inspection, the state licensing department (TDLR) first issued a six-month emergency closure at Gen Spa on the 1700 block of Fry Road.
“The people who were inside the building were very reluctant to let the inspector inside,” TDLR spokesperson Tela Mange stated. Inspectors discovered numerous indications of possible human trafficking as soon as they entered.
“There was lingerie and high-heeled shoes in the laundry area of the establishment,” Mange stated. “There were unlicensed employees who were providing massages.”
Following the emergency closure, Changjiang Zhong, the owner, decided to close permanently in a settlement agreement signed on July 17. Although no criminal charges were brought, according to TDLR, the owner still pays $21,000 for a number of breaches and had his massage license canceled in the past.
“We are taking this very seriously and we are going to continue to defend vulnerable people who may be being trafficked,” Mange stated.
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According to a recent state legislation, this is the only time an order of that kind has been granted in Texas. In June, a massage parlor in Houston placed the first order. Concerns about human trafficking also led to the closure of seven other related companies.
“In both instances, before even a month was out, the owners of these establishments have said, ‘You know what, I’m going to just get out of the business,” Mange stated.
Anyone who notices something fishy at a massage parlor is urged to report it via TDLR.
