Police shut down 6 NY spas in prostitution probe

WEST SENECA, N.Y. — Police in western New York have shut down six Asian spas following a six-month investigation into prostitution and human trafficking. The businesses were located in the Buffalo suburbs of West Seneca, Lancaster, Depew and Cheektowaga. West Seneca police say Thursday that officers raided the spas on Monday, along with two apartments used by the owners and their female employees. Investigators say 10 women, all believed to be Chinese nationals, are being assisted by local authorities and are cooperating in the investigation. Two people who operated the spas face charges of promoting prostitution. They've yet to be arrested. During the raids, officers seized $45,000 in cash, along with immigration documents and business records. [view link]