Strip mall spas investigated for prostitution

News

File photo of a Bellingham Police SUV. Photo: KGMI/J. Hazel

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The FBI and the Bellingham Police served search warrants on six massage parlors and spas Thursday, which are suspected of promoting prostitution.

Police began an investigation several weeks ago after receiving complaints of suspicious activity at places like Imperial Spa on Barkley Boulevard, Golden Foot Spa on East Chestnut, Cheerful Healthy Massage on Birchwood, Rub Hub Body & Foot Spa on Meridian, Oriental Chinese Foot Spa on West Kellogg and Lu’s Foot & Spa on West Bakerview.

Investigators say the objective of the operation was to determine if any employees were being coerced into commercial sexual activity, and the team had direct access to advocates from Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services.

No arrests were made but some business records were seized.

Claudia Murphy with the BPD reports the investigation is ongoing and says owners and patrons of the businesses will be contacted in coming weeks.

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