4 Arrested in Statewide Operation against Human Trafficking - KATV

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LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Attorney General Tim Griffin has announced the launch of Operation Obscured Vision, a statewide initiative targeting human trafficking through massage parlors.

The operation, a combined effort by local law enforcement and victim advocacy groups, resulted in the execution of search warrants at 12 locations across Arkansas, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the rescue of 16 victims.

According to Griffin, they searched massage parlors in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison, and a Little Rock hotel.

They found 17 victims aged 29 to 65, with 16 accepting services from medical staff and victim advocates.

"This operation is just a first step," Griffin said. "The intelligence and evidence obtained through Operation Obscured Vision will be used in ongoing investigations and will aid in targeting similar massage parlors elsewhere in the state."

Four women were arrested during the operation: Haiyan Lu, 54, of Harrison; Qing Chen, 53, of Jonesboro; Hongliang Cai, 55, of Jonesboro; and Chunli Wang, 50, of Rogers. Charges include promoting prostitution and sexual assault.

Law enforcement seized nearly $70,000, 1,870 in Chinese currency, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle during the operation.

The Arkansas Attorney General’s Office Special Investigations Division, Arkansas State Police, and several local police departments were involved. Various prosecuting attorneys and advocacy groups also contributed to the operation.

Griffin said they are continuing to investigate leads produced by this operation.

“We will continue to do this around the state but they are woven into a network that goes far beyond our borders," said Griffin. "This is only the beginning because there are so many leads that are going to come out of this. We are going to continue to be able to address this problem.”

Russellville Police Department announces search warrant execution

There were 3 search warrants that the Russellville Police Department executed on Thursday, January 23, in coordination with the Arkansas Attorney General's Anti-Human Trafficking operation, "Obscured Vision."

Listed below were the 3 places of business:

418 South Knoxville Avenue, "Sweet Massage"

1228 West Main Street, "Beautiful Angel"

2008 West Main Street "Angle Message"

RPD says the investigations will be time consuming, requiring a more complex approach.

A great amount of resources will be needed for the success of the investigation.

The detectives and officers of the Russellville Police Department gives thanks to multiple agencies and advocacy organizations who played a huge role in making the effort possible.

Arkansas State Police Special Agents, Arkansas Attorney General's Office, 5th Judicial Drug Task Force, Pope County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas Tech Public Safety, Into the Light, RISE, Freedom Finders, and North West Arkansas Nurses were the organizations who assisted RPD.

Yesterday's operations were successful; however, the investigation is still going, according to RPD.

The department didn't make any arrests during the operation, but victims were identified. Advocates stepped in to provide services.

After the investigation concludes, it will be in route to the Prosecutor's Office for review and consideration of charges.

The business permits for each location was revoked at the request of the Russellville Police Department, due to the ongoing criminal investigation.

RPD encourages anyone who has insight on illegal activities at those locations and also other areas to contact the Detective Division at 479-968-3232, or the Silent tip line at (479) 967-2221.