In Kensington, two women have been accused of operating a prostitution ring out of several massage parlors in Maryland, according to reports from investigators. The investigation began in October 2023 after tips were received about potential sex trafficking at Elegant Spa in Columbia. This led to a six-month long investigation, during which detectives identified Chang Liu, 34 of Columbia, as the owner of the spa. Liu was also found to be operating massage parlors in Anne Arundel County and Laurel.
Through surveillance, authorities confirmed that Elegant Spa was offering sex for money. Police observed several men entering and exiting the spa on a daily basis, leading them to believe that illegal activities were taking place inside. A health inspector was allegedly bribed by a worker at one point, which prompted threats to shut down the spa. Last month, law enforcement raided the spa and arrested Liu and another woman, Yinlian Wu, 50 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both women have been released on bail but authorities suspect that there may be more victims who were employed by Liu.
Liu is set to go on trial on May 2 and anyone with information is urged to contact the Montgomery County Police Vice and Intelligence Unit at 240-773-5958.