As part of a broader effort to combat human trafficking, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has ordered the closure of 10 massage spas in the Greater Houston area. These businesses, suspected of operating as illicit brothels, were owned by Yu Shang Chen, who has since agreed to shut down the establishments and permanently exit the massage industry.
The investigation, led by the Houston Police Department and the TDLR, uncovered serious violations. In September, TDLR issued an emergency six-month closure order for Ok Foot Spa on Post Oak Road after discovering employees were "provocatively dressed" and providing sexual services instead of legitimate massage therapy. None of the employees were licensed massage therapists, according to the TDLR, raising further concerns about potential human trafficking.
