By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times
July 2, 2022
CHICAGO — Owners and operators of eight Chicagoland massage parlors throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will County were arraigned Friday after allegedly engaged in money laundering and promoting prostitution.
Yang Yuan, 37, of Aurora; Jianwei Zou, 62, of Naperville; and Guilan Sun, 64, of Aurora, have been charged with six counts of money laundering, Class 1 felonies punishable by up to four to 15 years in prison, and three counts of promoting prostitution, Class 4 felonies punishable by up to one to three years in prison. All defendants pleaded not guilty at the arraignment, and their next court date is set for August 17.
“Businesses that engage in illicit activities risk the safety of their staff and customers, as well as the general public in the communities they are part of. I would like to thank the law enforcement agencies that collaborated for this complex investigation, and I am committed to continuing to work with law enforcement at all levels to enhance public safety across Illinois.” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a statement.
The charges stem from a three-year investigation by Illinois and federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the Illinois State Police and the Naperville Police Department. After discovering suspicious online ads connected to the massage parlors, the Naperville Police Department conducted several undercover stings at the businesses, where officers were solicited for sexual acts.
“This was a long and thorough investigation that was conducted by the Naperville Police Department involving the cooperation of many agencies in the process. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that was demonstrated by our Investigations Division in this case that led to these alleged offenders being charged. I would also like to thank the Illinois Attorney General’s office as well as the Buffalo Grove, Elmhurst, Lake Zurich, Roselle and Wheeling police departments for their collaboration and assistance in this matter.” Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said in a statement.
“HSI Chicago, along with our law enforcement partners, are dedicated to the eradication of sexual exploitation and money laundering in our community. While many believe these are victimless crimes, that is not accurate. Not only do the individuals being exploited suffer, but the community as a whole are endangered by the many associated crimes this type of illegal activity brings to their neighborhoods.” said HSI Chicago acting Special Agent in Charge Gabriel Gonzalez.
The Chicago Times 