Yuan Yuan Massage, 832 Notre Dame Avenue (GOOGLE STREET VIEW)
WINNIPEG — Two people have been charged after police say a local massage business lured women online to provide sexual services to paying clients.
Police first became aware of the allegations at Yuan Yuan Massage on December 19, 2019 and gathered information from past and current employees. On Tuesday, police executed a search warrant at the business at 832 of Notre Dame Avenue.
Police believe sexual exploitation was occurring at the massage parlour since July 2019 involving four employees. Online reviews for the business appear to show the activity was happening in 2018 as well.
Investigators found many of the women were hired in entry-level roles, such as receptionists, but were then instructed to perform massages, in which they weren’t qualified to do.
A 48-year-old man and 41-year-old woman have each been charged with three counts of material benefit from sexual services, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and four counts of procuring a person to provide sexual services.
The woman also faces additional charges of advertising sexual services and assault on one of the employees.
Both people have been released on a promise to appear in court.
Police say additional victims may be out there and encourage anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-TIPS (8477).
Registered and reputable massage therapists can be found through the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM).
