MASTIC, NY – Authorities have raided a spa on Long Island, charging three employees with prostitution and the unauthorized practice of a profession. According to reports, investigators executed the raid following complaints and undercover operations that pointed to illicit activity taking place inside the establishment.
The employees were taken into custody and processed on misdemeanor charges. Authorities say XinXin Yan and Yifan Xu, both employees at D&J Spa on Montauk Highway, have been charged with prostitution and the unauthorized practice of a profession following a police raid. A third employee, Dongli Chen, was also arrested and charged with criminal nuisance in connection with the investigation.
Police say the arrests came after an undercover operation targeting the business, which was suspected of offering illicit services under the guise of massage therapy.
Prostitution on Long Island: A Growing Concern
This raid is the latest in a series of crackdowns on massage parlors across Long Island accused of doubling as fronts for prostitution.
Over the past several years, police across Long Island have repeatedly raided massage parlors accused of prostitution. From small storefronts in Nassau to commercial corridors in Suffolk, the pattern has been consistent: businesses shut down by police sometimes resurface under new names or at different locations.
Why Massage Parlors Are Often Targeted
Massage parlors have become a focus for police investigations because:
- They provide a legitimate front to mask illegal activity.
- Many operate in strip malls and commercial corridors, blending in with other small businesses.
- Cash-based operations make tracing transactions difficult.
- Some are connected to larger networks that move employees between locations.
Officials note that while many spas are legitimate, the pattern of illicit operations posing as massage businesses has made this sector a major focus for vice and organized crime units.
Law Enforcement and Community Impact
Both the Suffolk County Police Department and Nassau County Police Department have dedicated units that investigate prostitution and human trafficking on Long Island. Sheriffs’ Offices and federal partners often assist with civil enforcement, immigration concerns, and labor violations tied to such raids.
Community concerns go beyond prostitution itself. Residents worry about:
- Human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable workers.
- Neighborhood impacts like loitering, unusual traffic at late hours, and quality of life issues.
- Property values, with some towns facing criticism for lax zoning or enforcement that allows such businesses to reappear.
Is the Problem Getting Better or Worse?
The scope of prostitution on Long Island remains significant, with police data and repeated raids suggesting the issue is not disappearing.
- Getting worse: The persistence of raids shows how frequently these businesses return or relocate.
- Getting better: Local police say stepped-up enforcement, civil penalties, and licensing crackdowns have made it more difficult for illicit operations to last long.
As a result, the problem has shifted – less visible in some communities but still widespread across the region.
Looking Ahead
The arrests at D&J Spa underscore the continuing struggle to curb prostitution tied to massage parlors on Long Island. Authorities say investigations will remain ongoing, with a focus on shutting down repeat offenders and examining potential links to trafficking networks.
Officials encourage residents to report suspicious businesses to local law enforcement, noting that public awareness and cooperation are key in addressing this recurring issue.
