A coordinated law enforcement effort has resulted in the arrest of Amanda (Ruifen) Xia, owner of four spa businesses in Ventura County, on charges related to a commercial sex operation. According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, an investigation initiated by detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit culminated on November 13 when search warrants were served and Xia was taken into custody.
Detective Nan Jiang prepared the news release which outlines the months-long probe leading to the arrest. Beginning earlier in the year, detectives grew suspicious of Swan Spa, located on North Rancho Road in Thousand Oaks, and initiated surveillance and undercover operations. Their investigation expanded to include businesses run by Xia in Newbury Park and Lake Forest, all suspected of engaging in illicit commercial sex activities.
Evidence gathered by detectives suggested that Xia profited from her employees who provided commercial sex services at Swan Spa, Star Spa, Victoria Spa, and Four Seasons Spa, as per the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Multiple men were identified as patrons of these services through the course of the investigation. The charges levied against Xia include violations of the state penal code sections regarding pimping, pandering, and money laundering, with a bail set at $100,000.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office acknowledged the vital role of the community in aiding law enforcement, urging continued support through neighborhood vigilance and following updates on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The Sheriff's Office also encourages the submission of tips to Ventura County Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards for information leading to arrests in such cases. Citizens can report anonymously by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477).
