Austin massage parlor owner charged with human trafficking amid nationwide crackdown

An Austin massage parlor has had its license revoked amid serious allegations of human trafficking. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) took swift action against RS Foot Massage after owner Lu Juqing was arrested and charged with human trafficking. CBS Austin reported that the TDLR issued an emergency closure order on August 6, immediately following a request from the Austin Police Department (APD) as part of their investigation.

Lu, 48, allegedly forced women to perform sexual services at the Highway 290 establishment. An affidavit alleges that the women, recruited from China, were in the business 24 hours a day, a situation that came to light after police acted on an email tip from one of the victims. The TDLR, which was given the authority last September to shut down businesses suspected of such illegal activity, took the step to prevent further exploitation. TDLR’s Tela Mange stressed the importance of community vigilance, telling KXAN, “If you see anything, let us know.” This is the fourth such shutdown the agency has issued in Texas since the new law went into effect.

Details from the arrest affidavit paint a harrowing picture of the operation. Victims were allegedly forced to offer sexual services to clients, with the majority of profits going to the suspect. In response to the allegations, signs for RS Foot Massage were removed and the premises remained inaccessible when reporters arrived at the scene.

Mange cited indicators of sex trafficking that the public should report, such as signs that people are living in the business, unprofessional dress among employees, and the presence of items such as condoms and flavored massage oils. The goal, Mange said, is to “really be motivated to eradicate human trafficking in Texas.” Lu is currently being held in Travis County Jail on a $200,000 bond.