https://nationaltoday.com/us/ny/new-york/news/2026/03/15/chinese-man-pleads-guilty-to-2m-prostitution-money-laundering-scheme/

A 41-year-old Chinese national named Xia Ming has pleaded guilty to laundering over $2 million from a prostitution enterprise he ran through a network of massage parlors in New York's capital region. Xia admitted to operating 'illicit massage businesses' disguised as 'legitimate spas' where employees provided 'commercial sex services' from 2019 to 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable workers in the commercial sex industry. It also demonstrates how criminals can use seemingly legitimate businesses to launder illicit proceeds. The guilty plea and asset forfeiture send a strong message about the consequences of these types of crimes.

The details

According to court documents, Xia's prostitution enterprise consisted of six massage parlors - Central Spa, Body and Skin Spa, Zen Body Works, Sisters Body Works, Relaxation Spa, and Physical Wellness Spa. He advertised the businesses online, transported employees between locations, and personally collected the money. Prosecutors say the spas brought in over $2 million in proceeds, which Xia laundered through third parties before using the funds to purchase properties in Albany, Flushing, and Endwell, New York.

Xia's prostitution enterprise operated from 2019 to 2025.

Xia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 3, 2026.

Xia is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2026.

What they’re saying

“Mr. Xia did not merely run an illegal business, he built a multimillion-dollar enterprise on the commodification of women, treating them as instruments for financial gain while laundering the proceeds to enrich himself through cash and real estate.”

— John A. Sarcone III, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York

“By turning neighborhood spas into brothels and washing millions in criminal proceeds through our communities, Ming Xia treated the Capital Region as his personal cash register. His scheme exploited vulnerable workers, poisoned legitimate commerce, and robbed residents of the basic expectation that local businesses are safe and lawful.”

— Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Xia's sentencing on July 1, 2026. He faces up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $500,000 maximum fine.