Published on: September 25, 2024, 01:00h.
Last updated on: September 25, 2024, 01:07h.
Three individuals have been apprehended following a search conducted by law enforcement at a suspected brothel in a Las Vegas dwelling that saw approximately 30 individuals visiting daily, as per a police statement.
Situated near the intersection of Spring Mountain Road and Decatur Boulevard in Chinatown, officials stated that the establishment was a hub for sex trafficking.
Two females present at the scene were identified as victims of sex trafficking, with one of them alleging repeated sexual assault by patrons, per law enforcement sources.
The two women informed authorities that they were of Chinese nationality and had been smuggled into the US illegally through Mexico. One of the victims mentioned that they were lured with a promise of restaurant employment.
“She felt like she had no choice but to work as a prostitute due to the fact she was smuggled into the United States illegally, was scared of deportation, had no local contacts, no money, no shelter, or assistance,” according to a police report cited by Las Vegas TV station KLAS. “Her only way to sustain life in the United States and try and make money to survive was through working in the brothel.”
$252K Seized in Cash
Authorities also confiscated around $40,000 in cash, condoms, lubricants, and business records from the premises.
Upon searching another residence linked to one of the suspects, officers found nearly $180,000. An additional $32,000 was discovered in a vehicle parked on the property.
The investigation was initiated in April when an undercover officer from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) responded to an online advertisement for suspected prostitution involving an Asian female.
Officers documented individuals entering the establishment who would only remain for a brief period, according to law enforcement reports. Typically, between 20 and 30 men frequented the dwelling each day.
Multiple Charges Filed
Three suspects were identified by LVMPD officers. Two of them, Changwei Gao and Leandro Seto, were taken into custody for allegedly managing the brothel, as reported by KLAS.
Gao faces charges of sex trafficking, conspiring to commit sex trafficking, and profiting from prostitution through physical force or threat of physical force. He has not been formally charged yet. Seto was charged with sex trafficking, conspiring to commit sex trafficking, and enabling a brothel.
The property owner, Enlong Cao, rented out the premises to the other suspects, according to law enforcement. Cao is facing charges related to financial transactions with the intent to evade reporting and facilitating a brothel. Cao was identified as an undocumented immigrant.
Brothels are illegal in Las Vegas and other parts of Clark County, although licensed brothels are allowed in certain areas of Nevada.