Prostitution Ring Served Politicians, Executives, Lawyers, Military Officers in Network of 'Sophisticated High-End Brothels'

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts charges three individuals.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has charged three individuals, Han Lee, 41, Junmyung Lee, 30, of Massachusetts, and James Lee, 68, of California, with operating a network of “sophisticated high-end brothels.”

The arrests came after an extensive investigation led by federal prosecutors in Boston, targeting a network that served a diverse and high-profile clientele.

During a press conference, Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy emphasized the collaborative effort in this case: "We're committed to working closely with our federal, state and local partners to hold accountable the people who both ran this ring and the people who fueled the demand for this ring."

He described the ongoing nature of the probe, noting the recent execution of search warrants across Massachusetts, Virginia, and California.

The client base of this network, as revealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was quite varied: “Commercial sex buyers allegedly included elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others.”

The Department of Homeland Security added further details on the clientele.

According to their affidavit, "Throughout the course of our investigation, and as detailed below, agents have identified several customers through surveillance, phone records, customer interviews and other investigative methods. These customers spanned a wide array of different professional disciplines. Some of these professional disciplines included, but are not limited to, politicians, pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, business executives, technology company executives, scientists, accountants, retail employees, and students."

Prosecutors allege that the defendants operated brothels out of high-end apartment complexes, charging up to $600 per hour for services with predominantly Asian women who were victims of sex trafficking.

The properties, rented for as much as $3,664 per month, were promoted online under the guise of “nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios.”

The DHS affidavit also highlights the methods used for advertising: “The co-conspirators were advertising women for commercial sex via at least two different websites on the internet, under the guise of professional nude photo shoots and established brothels in order to facilitate the engagement of commercial sex.”

Clients were rigorously vetted before gaining access to the services, including providing driver's license photos and employer names.

Levy noted the exclusive nature of the ring: "This commercial sex ring was built on secrecy and exclusivity, catering to a wealthy and well-connected clientele. Business was booming, until today."

If convicted, each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The investigation remains active, with the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office focusing on the ring's clients.