Four Chinese nationals living in Flushing, New York, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to human trafficking, immigration violations, and money laundering. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The indictment lists Shuhua Qiu, 56; Chunlong Lin, 38; Lijuan Zhao, 40; and Ming Zhai, 39, as defendants. Authorities allege that from at least November 2023 through January 20, 2026, the four conspired to facilitate commercial prostitution using interstate commerce and committed various immigration and sex trafficking offenses involving non-citizens. They are also accused of money laundering.
According to the indictment, Qiu, Lin, and Zhao owned and managed two businesses in Erie—Sunny Spa at 4615 Buffalo Road and Point Spa at 4432 Peach Street—which allegedly operated as illicit massage establishments. Customers reportedly paid a “house fee” to meet with a “masseuse” and then provided additional payments described as “tips” for commercial sex acts. In some cases, these tips were between double and quadruple the original house fee. The individuals involved in prostitution were said to reside either within the business properties or in nearby efficiencies leased by the defendants.
The indictment further alleges that Qiu, Lin, and Zhao kept or controlled non-citizens as sex workers without meeting federal immigration reporting requirements under human trafficking statutes. Lin and Zhai are accused of transporting an individual into New York for prostitution purposes; Zhai is also alleged to have transported someone from New York into Pennsylvania for similar reasons. The group is said to have used bank accounts to manage proceeds from these activities. Qiu is specifically accused of using over $10,000 from the operation’s proceeds to purchase their shared residence in Flushing.
United States Attorney Rivetti stated: “This Indictment represents the culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort involving all levels of municipal, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as the commitment of our office and law enforcement partners—not only during this National Human Trafficking Prevention Month but throughout the year—to combatting human trafficking and protecting its victims and survivors.”
Eric McLoughlin of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia commented: “Homeland Security Investigations-Erie, together with our law enforcement partners, worked relentlessly in a joint investigation to take down an alleged family run sex trafficking operation in Western Pennsylvania through two illicit massage businesses run by Chinese nationals. As a result of our coordinated efforts, multiple individuals have been arrested, and significant assets and evidence have been seized. HSI extends our gratitude to FBI-Erie, the IRS, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office who collaborated with us at every stage of this case. This investigation is yet another reminder that there is no place in our communities for illicit enterprises that facilitate sex trafficking, exploit vulnerable individuals, and pose serious threats to public health and safety.”
Kevin Rojek from FBI Pittsburgh added: “Investigations like this are about protecting our community. The focus of this joint investigation is the criminal operation undermining the safety of our neighborhoods, fueling organized crime, and exploiting the vulnerable behind closed doors. The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners will never stop fighting for an end to victimization and for the safety of our communities.”
Yury Kruty from IRS-Criminal Investigation Philadelphia Field Office said: “IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to lending our financial expertise and working with our law enforcement partners whenever and wherever we are needed.”
Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz remarked: “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all law enforcement agencies and commend their exceptional dedication, cooperation, and professionalism. This investigation underscores the critical importance and strength of unified law enforcement efforts and shared resolve to identify, disrupt,and eradicate these crimes. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continued collaboration to protect victims,safeguard our community,and eliminate human traffickingand related exploitation wherever it exists.”
If convicted on charges involving human trafficking or prostitution of alien persons or money laundering,the maximum penalty could be up to ten years imprisonment,a fine up to $250000 or both.Conspiracy charges carry up tof ive years imprisonment anda fine up tothe same amount.Sentences would ultimately depend onthe seriousnessofthe offensesand any prior criminal history.
Prosecutors have requested pretrial detentionfor all four defendants.Assistant United States Attorney Paul S.Sellersis prosecutingthe case.The investigationwas conductedbythe Pennsylvania State Police,HIS,the Internal Revenue Service,FBI Erie County Detectives,andthe Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution falls under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created by Executive Order 14159.The task force brings together multiple agencies—including those involvedinthiscase—to target organizations responsibleforhuman smugglingandtraffickingacross U.S.borders.Particular attentionis given totargeting childtraffickingandremoving violentcriminal aliensfromthe country.
January has been designated National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.An indictment represents only an accusation;all defendantsare presumed innocent until proven guilty.
