In a shocking revelation, federal prosecutors have exposed a network of “sophisticated” high-end brothels operating in greater Boston and eastern Virginia. This illicit enterprise catered to a clientele ranging from elected officials and high-ranking professionals to military officers and government contractors with security clearances. The carefully crafted operation required interested clients to provide employer information and references before being granted access to the services offered by these brothels. As the investigation unfolds, there is a potential for hundreds of yet-to-be-identified customers to be revealed.
Operating under the radar, these brothels charged exorbitant fees to their customers, ranging from $350 to over $600 per hour, depending on the requested services. Payments were exclusively made in cash, ensuring discretion and leaving minimal traceability. The secretive nature of these brothels extended to their physical locations, which were situated within high-end apartment complexes with rental prices soaring as high as $3,664 per month.
The choice of locations for these brothels was not arbitrary. The Connecticut area houses prominent pharmaceutical and tech firms, top financial services, leading American universities, and influential law firms. On the other hand, the Virginia locations are ideally situated near Washington, D.C., attracting numerous government contractors, many of whom hold government security clearances. This deliberate selection of areas provided the brothel operators with a steady flow of clientele from influential and high-status backgrounds.
As prosecutors delved into the network, they discovered a diverse clientele engaging in illicit activities. Alongside politicians and military brass, the client list comprised business executives, government contractors, lawyers, scientists, accountants, and professors. This revelation amplifies the extent to which these high-end brothels managed to infiltrate society’s upper echelons.
Authorities have just begun scratching the surface of this scandalous enterprise. Approximately 20 “sex buyers” have already been interviewed, shedding light on the inner workings of the network. However, it is believed that there are potentially hundreds more customers yet to be identified. Recognizing the urgency and importance of this matter, the investigation into the involvement of sex buyers continues actively.
The three individuals charged in connection with running these brothels have been identified as Han “Hana” Lee, Junmyung Lee, and James Lee. The charges against them include conspiracy to coerce and entice individuals to travel for illegal sexual activity. The elaborate infrastructure established by the defendants spanned multiple states, persuading primarily Asian women to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution.
The financial aspect of this operation is not to be overlooked. Han Lee, one of the Massachusetts residents charged, allegedly deposited nearly $795,000 in cash into her personal Bank of America accounts between December 2019 and October of this year. Adding to this, Junmyung Lee, a student involved in the operation, deposited just under $194,000 in cash into his personal Bank of America account during the same period. These substantial cash flows highlight the profitability and success of the brothel network.
In an age where the internet plays a significant role in various aspects of life, it is no surprise that even the realm of illicit activities has found a place online. Two websites were discovered, featuring explicit content and details about the services provided by the brothels. These websites included nude photos of the women along with their physical attributes. The sinister nature of this industry is exemplified by the location-specific appeals made by these websites, such as the statement, “Here to serve our wonderful Boston friends.”
To ensure the authenticity and eligibility of their clients, these brothels implemented a verification process. Prospective sex buyers were required to complete a form disclosing comprehensive personal information, such as full names, email addresses, phone numbers, employer details, and references. This meticulous screening process aimed to maintain confidentiality and create a sense of exclusivity among the clientele.
The operations of this high-end brothel network have been thrust into the public eye, and three key individuals have been arrested. Hand “Hana” Lee, Junmyung Lee, and James Lee now face charges that will be heard in Boston federal court. As the case progresses, more revelations about the inner workings and extent of this nefarious operation are likely to surface, leaving no doubt that the veil of secrecy has been lifted, exposing a dark underworld.
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