Ohio Task Forces Raid 4 Massage Parlors for Labor, Sex Trafficking

Law enforcement officials in Northeast Ohio, led by Attorney General Dave Yost, raided four massage parlors suspected of involvement in labor and sex trafficking. The raids targeted businesses in Strongsville, Lorain, and North Olmsted, where women were found living and working under exploitative conditions disguised as legitimate wellness services. Task forces including the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force executed search warrants, seizing documents, financial records, and cash to aid an ongoing investigation. Authorities emphasized that these operations focus exclusively on illicit activities, not legitimate massage therapy, with local officials expressing zero tolerance for such criminal enterprises. Assistance in the raids came from various agencies including the State Medical Board of Ohio, Strongsville and North Olmsted police departments, and U.S. Border Patrol. Officials encourage the public to report any information related to human trafficking through a dedicated hotline and app.