Prostitution Ring Across North Jersey Busted Up, AG Says

NORTH JERSEY — Seven individuals have been charged with first-degree racketeering and promoting prostitution in connection with operating a network of brothels disguised as massage parlors across New Jersey, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

Jessica Yan Xiong, 50, of Oakland Gardens, New York; Zongan Lin, 50, of Lake Hiawatha; and Zitian Zhang, 34, of New Hyde Park, New York, face charges including racketeering, money laundering, and leading organized crime.

Thowleong Chew, 43, of Flushing, New York; Min Li, 41, of Flushing; and Ricardo Botti, 56, of Oak Ridge, are charged with racketeering, money laundering, and promoting prostitution.

Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez, 53, of West Milford, is charged with racketeering, money laundering, and promoting prostitution.

Click here to view a full list of charges and potential sentences.

According to court documents, Xiong operated Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland, a neighborhood covering portions of both West Milford in Passaic County and Jefferson Township in Morris County, as an illicit massage parlor, even after prior arrests for prostitution-related offenses.

Botti, the landlord, reportedly assisted Xiong in keeping the business operating despite a denied business license and a prior shutdown, authorities said. Lin allegedly used his massage license to help secure licensure for several locations, including Yan’s Massage and Reiki. Xiong also operated JW Holistic Spa in Fair Lawn and Star Massage and Reiki in Hillsborough as illicit spas, according to officials.

Zhang is accused of managing Yan’s Massage and Reiki, Star Massage and Reiki, and Sunny Spa in New Brunswick with Xiong. Xiong and Zhang allegedly women and supplies between spas and controlled the money generated, investigators said.

Chew and Li reportedly acted as couriers, transporting women from New York to the spas and between locations, according to officials.

Law enforcement conducted surveillance on the spas, observing men frequenting the locations. Online reviews also indicated that the spas were illicit massage parlors where sexual acts were performed for money.

A financial analysis of Xiong's bank accounts revealed over $300,000 in cash deposits since October 2023, with over $72,000 used for promotion, rent, and maintenance of the illicit spas.

On December 2, 2025, New Jersey and New York law enforcement executed search warrants at multiple locations throughout New York and North Jersey. Over $150,000 in U.S. currency was seized, bringing the total illicit proceeds to over $500,000.

This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.