From staff reports

LEMOYNE — A yearlong investigation into suspected human trafficking at two Lemoyne spas has resulted in charges against four individuals, with authorities saying the operation has ties to trafficking networks in New York and California.

The investigation, led by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, focused on New QQ Spa on State Street and Azalea Spa on South 10th Street. Officials allege the businesses were used to traffic women for sexual services or operate as houses of prostitution.

Charged are Ying Zhang, 58, of Lemoyne; Liling Xu, 62, of Middletown; Wei Wu, 49, of Lemoyne; and Jun Chen, 40, of Enola. The charges include felony counts of human trafficking, corrupt organizations and related offenses, along with misdemeanor prostitution-related charges.

District Attorney Sean McCormack said the case reflects a broader pattern seen in similar investigations, where women are allegedly trafficked through hubs such as Flushing, New York, and Monterey Park, California, before being moved between spas across the country.

Investigators said surveillance, undercover operations and financial records were used during the investigation. Authorities allege the spas were staffed by multiple women over time, many of whom lived on-site and had limited mobility or independence.

According to charging documents, police gathered evidence including surveillance footage, undercover video and business records, and said online advertisements and reviews indicated sexual services were being offered at the locations.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed as authorities continue to examine other suspected illegal massage businesses in the region.

McCormack said the county’s human trafficking task force will continue monitoring suspected operations.

“The message is simple: We’re watching you. We’re building cases against you,” he said.