Methuen Shuts Second Spa in Human Trafficking Crackdown

Methuen officials have shut down a second suspected human trafficking front, Eastern Bodywork Therapy, following a similar closure of Beauty Garden Spa, whose manager Suping Zhu was arrested on multiple charges including human trafficking and prostitution. The closures came after inspections revealed unlicensed business activity and evidence of unlawful habitation consistent with criminal activity. In response, Methuen Mayor D.J. Beauregard declared a "war on human trafficking" and announced the creation of a Human Trafficking Task Force to investigate and root out such establishments citywide. The task force will involve various city agencies and community partners to support survivor-centered law enforcement strategies and to close loopholes exploited by traffickers. Mayor Beauregard emphasized zero tolerance for those involved in trafficking or soliciting illegal services and called for accountability from business leaders, customers, and landlords. Investigations are ongoing, and the city encourages residents to report suspicious activity to help combat human trafficking.