A network of “sophisticated high-end brothels” frequented by politicians, military officials and government contractors is being investigated by federal authorities, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
So far, three individuals have been arrested in connection with operating the bordellos in Massachusetts and Virginia
“Commercial sex buyers allegedly included elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others,” the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts said in a statement.
“The investigation into the involvement of sex buyers is active and ongoing,” the Massachusetts US Attorney’s Office noted.
Han Lee, 41, of Cambridge, Mass., James Lee, 68, of Torrance, Calif., and Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, Mass. have been charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity.
The trio allegedly operated multiple brothels out of high-end apartments in Fairfax, Va. and Tysons, Va., under an hour’s drive from Washington, DC, according to charging documents.
Authorities discovered brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well.
The interstate prostitution ring had been operating since at least July 2020, according to authorities.
“It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution,” the Justice Department said.
The defendants allegedly rented the apartments for up $3,664 per month and charged johns between $350 and upwards of $600 per hour, depending on the services.
The cathouses were advertised online, according to charging documents, and disguised by purporting to offer “nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios.”
The verification process for interested sex buyers was stringent, according to authorities, with johns being required to provide the trio with their full names, email address, phone number, employer and references in order to book an appointment.
The prostitution ring allegedly netted the defendants hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, which they deposited into personal bank accounts and converted to money orders to pay for rent and utilities at the various properties.
Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 if convicted.
Han Lee and Junmyung Lee were arrested Wednesday morning and were due to appear in federal court in Boston Wednesday. James Lee was arrested in Southern California and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.