ISP: 14-month human trafficking operation leads to 3 arrests, searches of Central Indiana spas

INDIANAPOLIS — A 14-month investigation into human trafficking crimes led to three arrests, as well as a series of search warrants being executed at Central Indiana spa parlors and homes on Wednesday.

According to a news release from the Indiana State Police, the investigation identified three specific businesses as alleged fronts for prostitution. The businesses were reportedly disguised as legitimate massage parlors.

As part of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued in Howard County court for two Noblesville residents, identified in the release as 35-year-old Yanyan Zhao and 36-year-old Xingchen Li.

On Wednesday, search warrants were conducted at the following businesses:

• Sun Spa in Kokomo
• Dahllia Spa in Indianapolis
• Sunflower Spa in Indianapolis

Two homes were also searched on Wednesday, including homes in Noblesville and Carmel, the release said.

During the searches, Zhao and Li were located, arrested and remanded to the Howard County Jail. The release said that during the search of the Noblesville home, 56-year-old Hui Li was also arrested and remanded to the Howard County Jail.

The three were taken into custody on the following preliminary charges:

Zhao

• One count of corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony
• One count of promoting prostitution, a Level 5 felony

Xinchen Li

• One count of corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony
• One count of promoting prostitution, a Level 5 felony

Hui Li

• One count of corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony.

The release said during the operation, an adult victim was recovered and provided with services, support and shelter.

Throughout the investigation, officials with the Indiana State Police said in the release that they received assistance from several law enforcement agencies and other offices, including:

• Battle Ground Police Department
• Kokomo Police Department
• Howard County Sheriff’s Office
• Howard County Prosecutor’s Office
• Indiana State Fusion Center
• Indiana Department of Revenue
• Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, officials said in the release. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Peru post of the Indiana State Police at (765) 473-6666.