Edison Police Uncover Cash-Stuffed Teddy Bear In $600,000 Illegal Spa Bust

EDISON, NJ – After a yearlong undercover investigation, Edison Police's Vice Unit discovered $600,000 in cash sewn inside a giant stuffed teddy bear during a raid, authorities said.

The coordinated raids targeted Bliss Spa, an illicit massage parlor located at 2595 Woodbridge Avenue, and the residence of its manager and de facto owner, Daniela Diienno, resulting in the arrest of five people and more than $750,000 in seized assets.

The raid took place Thursday, May 8.

At Diienno's Edison home, detectives recovered $650,000 in cash, including the $600,000 hidden inside the teddy bear, which had been carefully stuffed and sewn shut, police said. Additional funds seized from associated bank accounts brought the total monetary recovery to $754,373. Also seized were a 2025 Tesla Model Y, a Rolex watch, and a Cartier watch.

Diienno, 47, of Edison has been charged with money laundering, promoting organized street crime, promoting prostitution, and maintaining a house of prostitution. She has been detained at Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.

Others taken into custody are Vanessa Bosada, 30, Maspeth, NY; Eduarda Beilfus, 26, Newark, NJ; Maria Palacios, 45, Yonkers, NY and Alisson Cunningham, 26, Roselle, NJ. All four have been charged with engaging in/soliciting prostitution and released on summons complaints.

The spa was issued multiple ordinance violations by the Health Department and has had its license suspended to operate in the township.

“This operation is a direct result of the commitment and coordination between departments and agencies that have worked tirelessly to target and dismantle organized criminal enterprises operating under the guise of legitimate business,” Edison Police Chief Tom Bryan said.

“The amount of cash seized and the elaborate concealment methods used show just how sophisticated and profitable these illegal operations can be. We will continue our efforts to rid our community of these establishments.”

The enforcement initiative is part of a broader campaign launched under Mayor Sam Joshi's administration in 2022 to crack down on illegal businesses operating in Edison. It builds upon the December 2022 closure of nine illicit spas connected to prostitution and narcotics.

“This initiative was launched by my administration with a clear mission: to restore a sense of safety and integrity to our neighborhoods and commercial zones,” Joshi said.

“The New Jersey State Commission of Investigation rightly recognized Edison as the state model for how to address this pervasive issue. The SCI report emphasizes a ‘whole of government’ approach, where law enforcement, health officials, zoning inspectors, and prosecutors all work together. It’s incredibly rewarding to see what can be accomplished when every piece of government is aligned with the same goal: protecting our residents and building a stronger, safer community.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and the Edison Township Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case or similar illegal activity to contact the Vice Unit at (732) 248-7529 or VICE@edisonpd.org.

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