An Austin massage parlor has had its license suspended due to significant allegations of human trafficking. After arresting and charging its owner, Lu Juqing, with human trafficking, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) immediately took action against RS Foot Massage. CBS Austin reported that the TDLR issued an emergency closure order on August 6 in response to a request from the Austin Police Department (APD) as part of their investigation.
Lu, 48, allegedly pushed women into delivering sexual services at the restaurant on Highway 290. An affidavit reveals that police, responding to an email tip from one of the victims, discovered the ladies, recruited from China, confined to the shop 24 hours a day. Last September, the TDLR, granted jurisdiction to liquidate enterprises suspected of such illicit activity, took action to prevent further exploitation. Tela Mange of TDLR underlined the necessity of community vigilance, telling KXAN, “If you see something, please let us know.” This is the fourth closure ordered by the agency in Texas since the new law went into effect.
Details from the arrest affidavit paint a bleak picture of the enterprise. The suspect allegedly coerced victims into providing sexual services to clients, with the majority of the proceeds going to him. RS Foot Massage removed its signs in response to these charges, and the premises remained unavailable when reporters arrived.
Mange outlined evidence of sex trafficking that the public should report, including signs that people live at the business, personnel dressed inappropriately, and the presence of condoms and flavored massage oil. Mange remarked that the goal is to become “really motivated to eradicate human trafficking in Texas.” Travis County Jail is currently holding Lu, imposing a bond of $200,000.
