WOBURN, MA — Xiu J. Chen, 37, of Medford, is scheduled to be sentenced this coming Wednesday, December 19, 2018 in Middlesex Superior Court after being convicted of multiple counts of human trafficking and money laundering in connection with an extensive criminal enterprise that included illegal activity in Wilmington, as well as Bedford, Billerica, Medford, Reading, and Woburn.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Chen, along with a Ronald Keplin, 62, of Woburn, operated massage parlor businesses in Middlesex County that served as fronts for human trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, and other crimes.
“Chen and Keplin operated six businesses that were portrayed as massage parlors but were in fact fronts for an extensive human trafficking and money laundering operation,” reads a press release from the AG’s Office. “They characterized and advertised these businesses as providing ‘bodyworks’ services.”
The businesses included:
- Body Language – Wilmington, MA (which was located at 11 Middlesex Avenue)
- Bedford Asian Bodywork a/k/a Bedford Wellness Center – Bedford, MA
- Shrine Spa a/k/a Billerica Bodywork a/k/a Boston Chinese Club – Billerica, MA
- Mystic Health Center – Medford, MA
- Body Wellness Center – Reading, MA
- Asian Bodywork a/k/a Woburn Wellness Bodywork – Woburn, MA
“Through these businesses, Chen and Keplin allegedly offered sexual activity between women they employed and their clients in exchange for a fee,” reads the statement. “Chen and Keplin allegedly coordinated the recruitment of women from across the eastern seaboard, including New York. They advertised sexual services on websites known to advertise prostitution, set up appointments for sexual encounters for the women, and managed the financial aspects of the organization. Authorities allege that they arranged for overcrowded housing where the women typically slept on mattresses on the floor, or in some instances on the massage tables at the businesses. Chen and Keplin also allegedly facilitated the daily transportation of the women to and from the businesses.”
Chen and Keplin were arrested in May 2013 as a result of an investigation by the State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office, in conjunction with agents from Homeland Security and officers from several local police departments. The investigation was in response to allegations of human trafficking, money laundering, and prostitution in multiple Massachusetts communities.
The Wilmington Police Department was recognized as one of the departments who provided “invaluable assistance” to the investigation.
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