TRENTON — Seven individuals have been charged with racketeering and promoting prostitution in connection with a network of illicit massage parlors operating across New Jersey, authorities announced December 2, 2025. The charges stem from a sprawling investigation into a criminal enterprise allegedly exploiting women for profit.
Brothel Ring Busted: Racketeering Charges Filed in New Jersey Massage Parlor Scheme
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A multi-location investigation uncovered a sophisticated operation allegedly profiting from the exploitation of women.
- Jessica Yan Xiong, 50, of Oakland Gardens, New York, is identified as a central figure in the alleged scheme.
- Authorities seized over $500,000 in cash and uncovered evidence of illicit activity during searches at multiple locations in New Jersey and New York.
- The investigation revealed a network of massage parlors operating under false pretenses, with online reviews indicating their true nature.
- Charges include first-degree racketeering, money laundering, and promoting prostitution, carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
What exactly were the charges in this case? The seven defendants face a range of charges, including first-degree racketeering, money laundering, and promoting prostitution, reflecting the alleged complexity and scale of the operation.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating, “Sophisticated and lucrative criminal networks such as this one thrive on exploitation and manipulation, and they cannot be allowed to operate in our communities.” Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton added, “Prostitution is not a victimless crime… This lengthy and complex investigation shows we will not stand by while that happens.”
Operation Spanned Multiple Locations
According to court documents, Jessica Yan Xiong operated Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland, New Jersey, as an illicit massage parlor beginning in October 2023. Despite prior arrests for prostitution-related offenses at that location, Xiong’s landlord, Ricardo Botti, allegedly assisted her in maintaining the business, even after it was denied a license and temporarily shut down. Botti reportedly aided with repairs, inspections, and enlisted his employee, Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez, to ensure smooth operations.
Zongan Lin allegedly used his massage license to secure licensure for Yan’s Massage and Reiki starting in June 2024. Xiong expanded the operation to include JW Holistic Spa in Fair Lawn, New Jersey (established January 2025), and Star Massage and Reiki in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Lin also held licenses for locations on Broadway in Passaic, New Jersey (Kyoto 14, since September 2024), and on North Blackhorse Pike in Williamstown, New Jersey (Violet Spa, since January 2024). A further location, Sunny Spa in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was allegedly run by Xiong since August 2025.
Logistics and Financials of the Operation
Zitian Zhang allegedly managed Yan’s Massage and Reiki, Star Massage and Reiki, and Sunny Spa alongside Xiong. The pair reportedly controlled the flow of women and supplies to the spas and managed the generated revenue. Thowleong Chew and Min Li allegedly acted as couriers, transporting women from New York to the spas and between locations.
Surveillance revealed men frequenting each spa, and online reviews reportedly confirmed the illicit nature of the businesses. A financial analysis of bank accounts linked to Xiong revealed over $300,000 in cash deposits since October 2023, despite Xiong having no apparent legitimate employment. More than $72,000 of those funds were allegedly used for rent, promotion, and maintenance of the spas.
Raids and Seizures
On December 2, 2025, law enforcement in New Jersey and New York executed search warrants at all identified spas, as well as residences in Oak Ridge (Botti’s), Parsippany (Lin’s), Lake Hiawatha (associated with Lin), and East Hanover (Lin’s business) in New Jersey. Searches also took place in Oakland Gardens (Xiong’s residence), Flushing (linked to Xiong’s bank accounts), and New Hyde Park (Zhang’s residence) in New York. Over $150,000 in cash was seized during the raids, bringing the total illicit proceeds recovered to over $500,000.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Legal representation has been secured for most of the accused: Thowleong Chew is represented by Nicholas A. Moschella Jr. Esq. of Brick, New Jersey; Riccardo Botti by Robert A. Warmington Esq. of Morristown, New Jersey; Min Li by Michael A. Baldassare Esq. of Roseland, New Jersey; Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez by Dana M. Scarrillo Esq. of Bloomfield, New Jersey; Zitian Zhang by William D. Ware Esq. of Chester, New Jersey, and Todd D. Greenberg Esq. of Queens, New York; and Jessica Y. Xiong by Curtis J. Laforge Esq. of Saddle Brook, New Jersey. Counsel for Zongan Lin was not immediately available.
First-degree racketeering charges carry a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, along with fines up to $500,000. Other first-degree charges are punishable by 10 to 20 years and fines up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry sentences of five to 10 years and fines up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry sentences of three to five years and fines up to $15,000.
