Texas Massage Parlors Shut Down Amid Human Trafficking and Illegal Activity

More Texas Massage Establishments Are Being Closed

Surprise, more Texas massage parlors are being shut down. Just last week, three massage establishments in San Antonio were closed. Is it just me, or does it seem like for every parlor shut down, two more open up? And nearly every closure is for the same reasons.

Who Regulates Massage Parlors in Texas?

In the Lone Star State, massage parlors are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This agency oversees inspections and licensing requirements for these businesses, many of which are owned and operated by immigrants. Yes, these establishments are licensed, and they are required to have certified employees who are monitored by the state.

Recent Shutdowns: Pings Best Foot Massage Under Investigation

In late January, the TDLR issued a six-month emergency closure and license suspension for Pings Best Foot Massage. This San Antonio-based business is owned and operated by Rudy and Huang Lopez.

The investigation began when a former customer filed a complaint, alleging that illegal sexual activity was occurring at one of Pings’ locations. Following this complaint, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) launched an undercover investigation into multiple locations operated under the Pings brand.

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What Investigators Found Inside the Massage Parlor

During the investigation, SAPD and TDLR officials discovered:

  • Unlicensed employees providing foot massages
  • Workers living inside the business
  • Indicators of commercial sexual services occurring on-site
  • Illicit online reviews detailing illegal services
  • The TDLR noted that multiple illicit websites contained consumer reviews describing unlawful services provided at these establishments.

The Hidden Reality: Human Trafficking in Texas Massage Parlors

What catches my attention every time I read about these cases, or receive a press release from TDLR or law enforcement, is that the sex/prostitution angle is often revealed first, and then human trafficking is uncovered later.

This has to stop. The only way to combat this issue is to stop frequenting these establishments. I firmly believe that the individuals receiving these illegal services are just as guilty as those performing them.

The Consequences for the Business Owners

For now, owners Rudy and Huang Lopez have had their licenses suspended for six months. They are prohibited from operating any type of massage business in Texas. But the bigger question remains: Why is this such a persistent issue in Texas?

The Larger Crackdown on Illegal Massage Parlors in Texas

Determining the exact number of massage parlors shut down in Texas over the past two years is challenging. However, right here in West Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has conducted undercover operations, resulting in over 50 arrests related to human trafficking and illegal sexual activity at massage parlors.

How Can We Help Stop This?

If we truly want to put an end to this, we must work together as a community. As Crime Stoppers always says, “If you know something, say something!”
Source: DPS Texas, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

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