A New York man has been arrested following an investigation into what authorities call an 'illegal massage parlor' in Lewiston, Maine.

According to an article published by WABI TV 5, the Lewiston Police Department said that they were made aware of a potentially illegal massage parlor on Sabattus Street in Lewiston back in March.

Following an in-depth investigation, authorities have now taken Richard Qiu of New York into custody. Police say that when they searched the alleged illegal operation they found $12,000 in suspected human trafficking proceeds, video recording equipment and a slew of condoms.

In addition, they also found two women that they believe are victims of a sex trafficking operation. Lewiston Police went on to explain that they believe Qiu is also part of other illegal massage parlors throughout the state of Maine.

Richard Qiu
Richard Qiu
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Following an indictment by a grand jury in Androscoggin County, there was a warrant for arrest issued for Qiu back in July. He has since been taken into custody and his bail has been set at $100,000.

WABI is reporting that Qiu has been charged with Class D and Class E sex trafficking, as well as one count of forced labor.

In addition to officials with the Lewiston Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Androscoggin District Attorney's Office were all involved in the investigation.

The article went on to explain that the sex trafficking victims in the case are currently receiving assistance as well.

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