Advocates push back against Bothell massage parlor shutdowns amid police investigation
KOMO • • nation
Key Points:
- Bothell police shut down five massage parlors last week due to fire code violations and as part of a criminal investigation into alleged prostitution and human trafficking, following community complaints.
- Fire officials cited disabled fire alarms and unsafe, unpermitted work conditions, while police discovered sexual paraphernalia, evidence of sex acts, and makeshift living quarters during search warrants.
- Advocates for the business owners argue the enforcement unfairly targets Asian-owned massage parlors, alleging improper police conduct during raids and calling the actions discriminatory and contributing to anti-Asian violence.
- Some local workers reported suspicious activity at the parlors, noting unusual hours, closed curtains, and signs suggesting illicit operations, supporting the police investigation's basis.
- Police arrested one business owner on charges related to promoting prostitution and trafficking, and the investigation into potential human trafficking continues.
