WEBSTER — After months of surveillance and investigation, law enforcement officials from the Webster Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the South Worcester County Counter Crime and Task Force executed a search warrant at Webster Asian Bodyworks on Main Street, suspected of facilitating sexual services for fees.
The operation, involving Detective Phil Hurton and other agents, stemmed from meticulous online research and physical surveillance where men were observed entering and leaving the premises.
Many admitted to being offered and accepting sexual acts post-massage upon being stopped by officers.
The establishment was also found advertised on numerous websites known for such illicit services, providing sufficient grounds for Dudley District Court to issue the search warrant.
Investigators indicate that these types of investigations are highly intricate, frequently linked to organized crime, and involve human trafficking aspects.
In this particular case, an employee from China was discovered living and working on-site, a common situation where individuals are compelled to repay debts to larger criminal outfits under coercive conditions.
Although no charges have been filed against the employee, who declined support from both the Webster Police Community Outreach Advocate and a Federal Victim Advocate from the Chelsea Office of the FBI, the case remains open and complex due to the typical challenges posed by international crime syndicates and uncooperative victims.
Webster Health Director Camille Griffin presented the case to the Board of Health, which subsequently declared the establishment a Public Health Nuisance.
This declaration enabled Griffin to issue a cease-and-desist order effectively shutting down the business.
The multi-agency operation highlights the effective collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and the proactive role of the Town of Webster’s Health and Inspectional Services Departments in dismantling operations suspected of engaging in human trafficking and exploitation.
Further developments and possible charges are pending as the ongoing investigation continues to unravel the layers of this criminal enterprise.
