Maine Massage Parlor Owner is Charged with Sex Trafficking - q1065.fm

[Cindy Campbell]

The owner of several illicit massage parlors in Maine is facing sex trafficking charges.

What Do We Know About the Owner?​

Richard QIU of Brooklyn, New York is charged with:

• Sex trafficking (class D)
• Forced labor
• Sex Trafficking (class E)
• Criminal forfeiture of property

Lewiston Police say he is associated with several illicit massage parlors throughout Maine.

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Where Was The Massage Parlor at the Center of This Bust?​

The charges stem from two search warrants executed at a property on Sabattus Street in Lewiston in March 2024, during which investigators identified two suspected human trafficking victims. Also discovered during that search were video recording equipment, condoms, and over $12,000 in alleged sex trafficking proceeds. Sexual Assault and Prevention Response Services assisted in this investigation by providing victim services to the trafficking victims.

QIU was indicted in July by an Androscoggin Unified Grand Jury, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and bail was set at $100,000. On September 6th, 2024, he was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Boston, Massachusetts. The ATF and the Androscoggin District Attorney's Office also contributed to this investigation

What's the Hotline Number for Victims of Human Trafficking?​

If you are a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. More information can be found on the website of the Maine Sex Trafficking and Exploitation Network, which is a program of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Their sexual assault helpline number is 1-800-871-7741.

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