Human trafficking arrest made in Des Moines, 3 victims rescued

DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines woman has been arrested on human trafficking charges and police say three victims have been rescued following a months-long investigation.

Huirong Zhou, 42, is being held in the Polk County Jail on three felony charges of human trafficking. She was booked into the jail shortly before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

The investigation began in January as police started looking into neighborhood complaints about suspicious activity at a massage parlor, Asian Tuina, at 852 Hull Avenue, according to Sgt. Paul Parizek with the Des Moines Police Department.

A search warrant was executed on Wednesday at the business and investigators found three adult female victims inside. They also recovered evidence indicating forced labor and commercial sexual activity. More than $80,000 was also seized in the case.

Polk County Victims Services is helping the victims with safe housing and other support and recovery services.

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