Fri Sep 13 13:36:00 UTC 2024: ## New York Man Arrested in Boston for Running Illegal Maine Massage Parlor, Accused of Sex Trafficking

**LEWISTON, MAINE** – A New York man has been arrested in Boston and charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking and forced labor in connection with an illegal massage parlor he allegedly ran in Lewiston, Maine.

Richard Qiu, a resident of Brooklyn, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on Friday, Sept. 6, following an investigation that began in March. The Lewiston Police Department received information about the illegal massage parlor located on Sabattus Street and identified Qiu as the owner.

Authorities executed two search warrants on the property, uncovering evidence of suspected human trafficking, including two victims, video recording equipment, condoms, and over $12,000 in suspected proceeds from sex trafficking.

Qiu was indicted by an Androscoggin County grand jury in July and a warrant was issued for his arrest with a $100,000 bail. He was subsequently arrested in Boston and is currently being held at the Androscoggin County Jail.

Qiu faces charges of Class D and Class E sex trafficking, as well as one count of forced labor. He appeared in court on Wednesday, where his bail was reduced to $75,000.

The Lewiston Police Department collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Androscoggin District Attorney’s Office on the investigation. The suspected victims of human trafficking are receiving assistance from Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services.

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