Creating Inoperable Environments for Illicit Massage Businesses
Lydia Chu, MPP & Alison Philips | September 21 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Conceptual, Law Enforcement | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Across the U.S., the prevalence of illicit massage businesses (IMBs) are increasing. Online data shows a 38% increase in suspected IMBs nationally since 2019, presented at the National Convening on Illicit Massage. These storefront establishments are known fronts for commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking (Muller-Tabanera & Huang, 2021). Historically, the primary counter method used by law enforcement is the long-term criminal investigation (Polaris, 2018). However, law enforcement today does not have the resources to sufficiently address this issue using this method alone. Additionally, these investigations often result in the arrests of those that are potential victims (Illicit Massage Business Findings Report, Restore NYC, 2019). New strategies are needed. This session will (1) define the business model of human trafficking IMBs, (2) explain different strategies that have successfully combated IMBs, (3) expound on why these strategies have proven more effective than historical prostitution stings, including strategies that engage landlords, reform local ordinances, and incorporate under-utilized civil approaches, (4) walk through the steps of how to implement these strategies in a given jurisdiction, and (5) reference case studies.
Presentation Objectives:
· Define IMBs, describe common red flags of IMBs, and list the numerous crimes that occur in these establishments, including but not limited to sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and prostitution
Discuss how different strategies to combat illicit massage businesses in a given jurisdiction can be more effective and successful alternatives to resource-intense long-term criminal investigations