On Wednesday, Oct. 15, members of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, Indiana State Police Indianapolis Post, Kokomo Police Department, Battle Ground Police Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security executed multiple search and arrest warrants.
These coordinated efforts resulted in the arrest of three individuals on felony charges.
This operation stems from a 14-month investigation into human trafficking crimes linked to certain business owners and operators. The investigation revealed that these businesses were being operated as fronts for prostitution, disguised as legitimate massage parlors.
Felony arrest warrants were issued and granted by the Howard County Superior Court II for Yanyan Zhao, 35, and Xingchen Li, 36, both residents of Noblesville.
Search warrants were executed at several business locations and residences, including:
- Sun Spa, 608 E. Markland Ave., Kokomo
- Dahlia Spa, 2717 E. 56th St., Indianapolis
- Sunflower Spa, 5320 Madison Ave., Indianapolis
- 16264 Red Clover Lane, Noblesville
- 320 Uxbridge Lane, Carmel
One of the businesses suspected to be used as a front for illegal activity was Dahlia Spa, 2717 E. 56th St., Indianapolis, which is now boarded up. (WISH-TV photo by TJ Whitmer)
During the execution of these search warrants, Ms. Zhao and Mr. Li were located, arrested, and remanded to the Howard County Jail without incident.
These individuals were arrested and face the following preliminary charges:
- Yanyan Zhao, 35, Noblesville: Corrupt Business Influence – Level 5 Felony; and Promoting Prostitution – Level 5 Felony
- Xingchen Li, 36, Noblesville: Corrupt Business Influence – Level 5 Felony; and Promoting Prostitution – Level 5 Felony
Additionally, 56-year-old Hui Li, found inside the residence on Clover Lane, was arrested for Corrupt Business Influence (Level 5 Felony). Ms. Li was remanded to the Howard County Jail without incident.
One adult victim was recovered during this operation and has been provided with services, support, and shelter by the Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Programs, and the Howard County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure their safety and well-being.
This investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Peru Post at (765) 473-6666. All crimes mentioned in this release are alleged, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Indiana State Police Peru Post received assistance from the Indiana State Police Indianapolis Post, Battle Ground Police Department, Kokomo Police Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Fusion Center, Indiana Department of Revenue, Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program, and the Department of Homeland Security.
