Two people were arrested because they were reportedly offering prostitution at a massage parlor in Riverside County.
The suspects were named by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office as Li Guan, 40, from Monrovia, and Xao Tao, 47, from San Gabriel.
A tip from a stranger told deputies that prostitution was going on at a massage business in the 27400 block of Jefferson Avenue in Temecula.
A search order was served at the business on November 27 by the sheriff’s office and the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.
Evidence found at the scene helped catch Guan and Tao. They were both arrested for trying to get women to become prostitutes and taken to the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
At least one victim found at the scene was given help and put in touch with victim advocate case managers.
“Human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation are still big problems in our community,” the sheriff’s office in Riverside County said. “Victims of these crimes are often forced to do illegal things against their will through manipulation, coercion, and exploitation.”
Authorities made it clear that moving people is not a “victimless” crime.
Officials said, “Research shows that most trafficking victims are women or children, and many of them have been abused or traumatized in the past.”
You can report any strange or illegal behavior by calling 951-776-1099 for Sheriff’s Dispatch or 911 in an emergency. You can give We-Tip anonymous tips by calling 1-800-782-7463 or going to wetip.com.
