Massive California brothel network dismantled; 2 arrest in yearlong probe

Summary

• Law enforcement has dismantled a major internet-based commercial sex shipping operation after a year-long multi-agency investigation.

• The suspects, Kebin Dong and Wei Nie, allegedly operated more than 30 brothels throughout California and managed more than 60 profiles of women.

• The total number of victims involved has not yet been confirmed.

VENTURA COUNTY, California. – Authorities arrested two people Hacienda Hills The men are accused of operating a sophisticated commercial sex referral center that used more than 30 residential and hotel brothels California.

The arrests of Kebin Dong, 38, and Wei Nie, 40, followed a year-long investigation into an internet-based platform that openly advertised illegal services.

What do we know?

detectives Ventura County The Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit identified Dong and Nie as the primary owners and operators of a website used to facilitate commercial sex, according to authorities.

The operation was wide-ranging, covering more than 60 profiles of women and dozens of brothel locations, including several in Ventura County.

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Search warrants were executed at multiple locations in Ventura on February 11 and 12. Los Angeles counties.

Dong and Nie were taken into custody at their home in the 16000 block of Chariot Place.

Both face charges of pimping, pandering and conspiracy, and bail was set at $200,000 each.

what we don’t know

While many women were rescued during the raids, the exact number of people abducted through this network last year is still being determined.

Investigators have not yet indicated whether additional suspects or “underlings” are being sought in connection with the website.

what’s next

The suspects will be detained until the first hearing.

Source

This report is based on information from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.