Qingqin Xie, a 39-year-old Chinese citizen, was ordered detained following her arrest on charges related to managing a prostitution business in the Capital Region of New York. According to a criminal complaint, Xie owned and operated spas that advertised massage services but also allegedly offered commercial sex acts. Authorities stated that she used internet-based advertisements, some sexually explicit, to promote these businesses.
In October 2024, law enforcement searched Moon Spa in East Greenbush, New York, one of Xie's establishments, and reportedly found evidence of commercial sex acts occurring there. Despite this search, officials allege that Xie continued to open and operate similar spas and employed women for sex acts with customers.
The allegations against Xie are accusations at this stage; she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented: “As alleged, Xie, who does not have lawful status in the United States, ran a prostitution business out of massage parlors and failed to stop even after law enforcement searched one of those parlors last year. My Office will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who sexually exploit people for profit are held accountable.”
Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Criminal Investigation (FBI), said: “As alleged, Ms. Xie was operating an extensive commercial sex enterprise, using multiple massage parlors as a cover for prostitution. This arrest should send a message that the FBI, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will investigate and shut down these disturbing illicit businesses and ensure those who operate them are brought to justice.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added: “The culmination of this investigation would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and expertise of our partners in law enforcement. As charged, this individual had no regard for the impact their actions would have on the safety and well-being of others. Intercepting illegal businesses will continue to be a top priority and integral part of protecting our communities from the associated harm they bring.”
Erin Keegan from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) stated: “Qingqin Xie is accused of running an elaborate prostitution scheme spanning the Capital Region. The alleged crimes demonstrate a brazen disregard for the sanctity of U.S. law and wellbeing of the New York public. I commend HSI Albany and our many law enforcement partners for ensuring she faces the consequences of her alleged actions.”
Harry T. Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge at IRS-Criminal Investigation New York said: “It’s alleged Xie created a business enterprise with the prostitution of women; and like with any business, IRS-CI continues to offer its expertise in following the money. We are proud of our continued law enforcement partnerships which ensure that people like Xie can no longer exploit women and their bodies for a profit.”
If convicted on the charge filed against her—using interstate facilities in aid of racketeering—Xie could face up to five years in prison as well as a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing decisions will be made by a judge based on statutory guidelines.
The case is being investigated by several agencies including FBI Albany Field Office (https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/albany), New York State Police (https://troopers.ny.gov/), IRS-Criminal Investigation (https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation-division), and Homeland Security Investigations (https://www.ice.gov/hsi). Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita is prosecuting.
This prosecution falls under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation—a multi-agency initiative aimed at disrupting high-level criminal organizations through coordinated intelligence-led efforts across federal agencies.
More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
