Seven charged in alleged prostitution ring operating massage parlors across New Jersey and New York
TRENTON, N.J. — Seven people have been charged for their alleged roles in operating a prostitution ring through a network of massage parlors across New Jersey and New York, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice announced.
Prosecutors said the defendants are accused of running a sophisticated, multi-location operation that generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit proceeds while exploiting women for profit.
Jessica Yan Xiong, 50, of Oakland Gardens, New York; Zongan Lin, 50, of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey; and Zitian Zhang, 34, of New Hyde Park, New York, are each charged with first-degree racketeering and money laundering, second-degree leader of organized crime and promoting organized street crime, and third-degree promoting prostitution.
Thowleong Chew, 43, of Flushing, New York; Min Li, 41, of Flushing, New York; and Ricardo Botti, 56, of Oak Ridge, New Jersey, are charged with racketeering, money laundering, promoting organized street crime, and promoting prostitution. Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez, 53, of West Milford, New Jersey, is charged with racketeering, money laundering, and promoting prostitution.
“Sophisticated and lucrative criminal networks such as this one thrive on exploitation and manipulation, and they cannot be allowed to operate in our communities,” Platkin said. “Our investigators and attorneys in the Division of Criminal Justice worked relentlessly to determine the sprawling extent of this operation, and then take it down, making our neighborhoods safer.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Xiong allegedly operated Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland, New Jersey, as an illicit massage parlor since October 2023. Despite multiple prostitution-related arrests at the location and the denial of a business license, authorities said the operation continued with assistance from Botti, the landlord, who allegedly helped the business pass inspections and remain open. Sibaja-Sanchez, an employee of Botti, allegedly assisted with operations, while Lin used his massage license to obtain licensure for the business.
Investigators said Xiong also operated other illicit massage businesses in Fair Lawn, Hillsborough, Passaic, Williamstown and New Brunswick. Zhang allegedly managed several of the locations alongside Xiong, while Chew and Li are accused of transporting women and supplies between New York and New Jersey and among the various locations.
“Prostitution is not a victimless crime,” said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The defendants in this case are charged with exploiting women for profit and putting them at risk. This lengthy and complex investigation shows we will not stand by while that happens.”
Law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance and said the spas were frequently visited by male customers and promoted online as places where sexual acts were performed for money. Financial analysis showed more than $300,000 in cash deposits linked to Xiong since October 2023, with more than $72,000 used to promote and maintain the alleged illegal businesses.
On Dec. 2, 2025, authorities executed search warrants at multiple spa locations and residences in New Jersey and New York, seizing more than $150,000 in cash. Combined with bank records, investigators said more than $500,000 in alleged illicit proceeds were identified.
“Keeping New Jersey safe means confronting complex threats, including organized crime networks that exploit people for profit,” said Laurie Doran, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. “This outcome reflects strong partnership and persistence across agencies.”
First-degree racketeering charges carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in state prison, while additional charges carry significant prison terms and fines if convicted.
