LEWISTON — The Lewiston Police Department has cracked down on an illicit massage parlor on Sabattus Street, leading to the indictment of owner Richard Qiu on multiple charges, including sex trafficking and forced labor.
The business, identified in March as a front for illegal activities, was owned by Qiu, a Brooklyn, NY resident with ties to various massage parlors across Maine.
Following a thorough investigation, Lewiston Police, with the assistance of federal agencies, executed two search warrants at the property.
They discovered video recording equipment, condoms, and over $12,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from sex trafficking.
Two individuals suspected of being victims of human trafficking were identified during the raids.
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services have been providing them with necessary victim services.
An Androscoggin Unified Grand Jury indicted Qiu in July, and a warrant for his arrest was issued with bail set at $100,000.
On Sept. 6, U.S. Marshals apprehended Qiu in Boston.
The extensive investigation saw collaboration between the Lewiston Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S.
Marshals, and the Androscoggin District Attorney’s Office.
Qiu now faces charges of sex trafficking (Class D and E) and forced labor (Class C), along with criminal forfeiture of property.
