The Simi Valley Police Department Special Problems Section began an undercover operation targeting area massage parlors after receiving complaints of prostitution activity.
Undercover officers acting on information from confidential sources and surveillance went into parlors and made arrests after being solicited for sex acts by massage therapists, according to the department.
San Gabriel resident Yang Chen, 40, was arrested at W&H Massage, and San Gabriel resident Zing Zhou, 43, was arrested at West Coast Massage. The arrests were made on December 22 and 28. Both suspects were released on a written promise to appear in court, according to police.
Solicitation for prostitution is a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine.
The Special Problems Unit stated it would be targeting business owners and managers who allow and encourage these activities and the department would also target those customers who frequent massage businesses for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual behavior with undercover sting operations.
Anyone with information about illegal local massage business is encouraged to contact the Special Operations Unit at (805) 583-6950.
