Latest news with #OperationObscuredVision
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Arkansas attorney general announces $100,000 human trafficking grant
Attorney General Tim Griffin announces the results of human trafficking raids in his Little Rock office on Jan. 24, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) Attorney General Tim Griffin's office has received a $100,000 grant to combat human trafficking in Arkansas, he announced Thursday. Griffin secured the grant while attending a bipartisan attorney general conference in Rome and Vatican City that was organized by the Attorney General Alliance and focused on fighting human trafficking worldwide, according to a press release from the AG's office. 'We are the most effective in our fight against international human trafficking right here in Arkansas when we are maximizing relationships, sharing information and learning best practices,' Griffin said. During the trip, which was 'at no cost to taxpayers,' Griffin said he met with experts who specialize in 'illicit massage parlors' and invited some of them to conduct trainings and share insights in Arkansas. Arkansas police announce human trafficking resource in line with governor's legislative goals In January 2023, Griffin announced the creation of a statewide group to combat human trafficking called Statewide Tactical Operations Partnership (STOP) that was to be composed of representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement. More recently, Griffin announced in January that four suspected human trafficking perpetrators were taken into custody following a statewide raid called 'Operation Obscured Vision.' The initiative focused on a dozen 'illicit massage parlors' in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison and a Little Rock hotel. Officials identified 17 purported trafficking victims who were 29-65 years old, and 16 accepted services from medical staff and advocacy groups that partnered with the operation, Griffin said. Also in January, just days after the governor cited public safety as one of her priorities for the 2025 legislative session, Arkansas State Police announced a new website that provides human trafficking victims with county-level resources. Legislators approved a number of laws related to human trafficking during the legislative session that adjourned Monday, including one that would require information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline to be posted in a nail salon or massage business licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health. Other new laws create enhanced penalties for recruiting trafficked people from certain places, and require those convicted of violating the Human Trafficking Act of 2013 to pay mandatory restitution to victims, among other things. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
New details emerge in Northwest Arkansas massage parlor raids
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A recently filed affidavit sheds new light on the January raids of multiple Northwest Arkansas massage parlors as part of Operation Obscured Vision, led by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. The operation, aimed at combating human trafficking in Arkansas, resulted in the arrests of three individuals in Rogers. The following people were arrested in connection with the raids: Chunli Wang, 51 – Second-degree sexual assault Yuhe Yang, 70 – Trafficking of persons, engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization, or enterprise David Whited, 63 – Trafficking of persons, engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization, or enterprise Cave Springs doctor pleads guilty to amended charges in Washington County, gets probation The investigation began on June 19, 2023, when an anonymous caller reported to Rogers police that while receiving a massage at Tulip Spa, a woman took extra money from his wallet and exposed her breasts, according to a probable cause affidavit. When officers attempted to make contact at the business, employees fled out the back door. Two workers, who had traveled from California, stated they found the job listing on a Chinese website. Authorities also said in the affidavit that two other employees appeared to be living inside the business, sleeping on beds in the back. According to the affidavit, Tulip Spa, Stream Massage, and Ping Massage were linked as part of a network where the suspects held management roles: Tulip Spa – David Whited (owner), Chunli Wang (manager) Stream Massage – Chunli Wang (owner) Ping Massage – David Whited (owner) Yuhe Yang was identified as the 'runner,' coordinating business operations. Investigators found multiple anonymous online reviews describing sexual services at the three spas, and ads for Tulip Spa were found on an escort website as early as December 2021 and as recently as September 2023. Similar ads for Ping Massage appeared in January 2025, mentioning 'happy endings.' Bentonville middle school teacher surprised with $25,000 award In August 2023, during a traffic stop, a man allegedly admitted to police that he had engaged in multiple sex acts at Tulip Spa. Undercover operations confirmed these claims. In 2025, an undercover Rogers Police Department (RPD) detective visited Tulip Spa while wearing a wire. A worker offered sexual services in exchange for money, which the detective declined. The next day, a Stream Massage worker told the detective he could 'touch her sexually,' with or without clothing, though penetration was not allowed. A Benton County Sheriff's Office detective had a similar encounter at Ping Massage on Jan. 22, 2025. The affidavit alleges poor working conditions for employees at the spas. Workers were reportedly living inside the businesses without personal transportation and employees allegedly worked seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Yang is accused of monitoring employees via security cameras. Employees were allegedly only paid if they had customers: $20 for a one-hour massage $40 for a 90-minute massage No pay for 30-minute massages Workers were allegedly forced to pay $25 per day to live at the business. Yang and Wang are accused of pressuring workers to perform sexual acts to earn more money. One worker told investigators she was warned by Yang that talking to law enforcement would affect her immigration record. After police reassured her, she broke down in tears and provided more details, according to court documents. Employees also said they were not allowed to leave until other women arrived to replace them. Arkansas man serving life in prison gets additional 90-year sentence On Jan. 23, 2025, search warrants were executed at: Tulip Spa and Stream Massage (Rogers Police Department & Arkansas State Police) Ping Massage (Benton County Sheriff's Office) At least four women were found inside and transported for interviews. One woman told police that Whited was the 'boss,' and that Yang allegedly handled hiring and transportation. However, she denied that sexual services occurred. Yuhe Yang admitted he was the 'runner' but claimed he did not know about sexual services, according to court documents. Whited allegedly stated he agreed to lease buildings for Yang as a 'favor' but told him no illegal activity should occur. He also claimed he forgot his name was on utility and bank accounts due to a stroke 13 years ago. The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on the following dates: Yang – March 17 Wang – March 10 Whited – March 24 This is a developing story. KNWA/FOX24 will provide updates as they come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Massage parlor owner suing Russellville over human trafficking raids
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The owner of three massage parlors in Russellville is suing the city for court records after all of his businesses were shut down as part of a statewide operation to combat human trafficking. John Wesley Hall, the attorney for businessman Terry McCurter, states his client has not received documents from the city requested under the Freedom of Information Act. Hall states McCurter was not arrested, and even if he is going to be, he is still entitled to the papers showing why his Russellville businesses were searched and why they were shut down. 'They raided the place. They've taken property,' Hall told KARK 4 News. 'What things could possibly be interfered with now? The burden is on them to show a reason to keep it under seal, and they haven't shown anything yet. They just said, 'Oh, we want it under seal.' Okay, sign off. It's under seal. Well, tell us why. You have the burden of showing us why.' Russellville police search multiple massage businesses, mayor says The three Russellville locations on 1228 & 2008 West Main Street and 418 South Knoxville were among 12 initially searched during Operation Obscured Vision. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin is leading the statewide effort. Four arrests were made between Harrison, Rogers and Jonesboro. As of this report, no arrests have been made in Russellville, although ¥1,870 in Chinese currency was seized in Russellville along with a Mercedes-Benz in Rogers, and $70,000 across all locations. The Russellville city attorney is trying to dismiss the lawsuit against them stating the affidavit, warrants, and other documents were sealed by Circuit Judge James Dunham at the request of a police detective. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces state-wide human trafficking investigation and raid Russellville Detective Ronald Wescott wrote in a court document, 'I am attempting to locate additional evidence, victims and suspects. The release of any materials involved in this case would be detrimental to the investigation'. KARK 4 News also tried to request the documents from the Russellville city attorney but was told they are excluded from the Freedom of Information Act because they are sealed and protected by the circuit court. Local reacts after trafficking raids lead to arrests in six Arkansas cities According to the Arkansas Attorney General's office, Operation Obscured Vision continues to make arrests, including one made on Feb. 11 in connection with massage parlors in Rogers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Third arrest made in connection to Rogers massage parlor raids
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A third arrest was made Feb. 11 in connection to the human trafficking raids on massage parlors in Rogers on Feb. 3. According to a press release, David Whited was arrested on a warrant for trafficking of persons and engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization or enterprise. In fall 2024, the Rogers Police Department along with the Arkansas Attorney General's Office, Benton County Prosecutor's Office and the Benton County Sheriff's Office began a human trafficking investigation into three Asian massage parlors. The investigation ended on Jan. 23 with the execution of simultaneous search warrants for Ping Massage, Stream Massage and Tulip Massage. The release says the three massage parlors were owned and operated by the same three people. All three of those owners have now been arrested: Yuhe Yang, Chunli Wang, and Whited. Whited is being held in the Benton County jail. No bond has yet been set. Whited's arrest was part of a state-wide operation led by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin's office. Griffin said the raids targeted massage parlors around the state as Operation Obscured Vision. He said 17 victims were identified with aid given to 16 of them after 12 search warrants were executed. Other raids were conducted in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Harrison, and Little Rock. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested in human trafficking raids on Rogers massage parlors
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Rogers police along with other agencies as part of a state-wide operation arrested a man suspected to be involved with human trafficking at three massage parlors in the city. According to a press release, Yuhe Yang was arrested on Feb. 3 for trafficking of persons and engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization, or enterprise. The release says in fall 2024, the Rogers Police Department along with the Arkansas Attorney General's Office, Benton County Prosecutor's Office and the Benton County Sheriff's Office began a human trafficking investigation into three Asian massage parlors. The release said the investigation ended on Jan. 23 with the execution of simultaneous search warrants for Ping Massage, Stream Massage and Tulip Massage. The release says the three massage parlors were owned and operated by the same three people. One of the owners was Yang. Yang is being held at the Benton County Jail. He is being held on a $500,000 bond. Yang's arrest was part of a state-wide operation led by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin's office. Griffin said the raids targeted massage parlors around the state as Operation Obscured Vision. He said 17 victims were identified with aid given to 16 of them after 12 search warrants were executed. Other raids were conducted in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison, and Little Rock. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
