Two Austin massage parlors were shuttered this week amid allegations of human trafficking, as reported by KXAN. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) responded with six-month emergency closures of Rejuve Wellness LLC and Bibo Spa LLC after investigations surfaced signs of illicit activities. Unlicensed massage therapy services, evidence of sexual services, and conditions suggesting employees were living on site were among the troubling discoveries made by state officials.
Details from a TDLR press release cited by KXAN indicate complaints and online advertisements featuring explicit sexual content as well as discussions in online reviews about sexual services at the parlors. The department's findings at Bibo Spa were especially concerning, documenting an employee's claim that she was being compelled to offer sexual services by the owner and that debts were being used to force continual work from the employees. These closures come as part of the law enforcement effort to rigorously enforce House Bill 3579, which has been set to combat the burgeoning crisis of human trafficking, shocking in its audacity to, plainly to see, exploit those in desperate straits.
FOX 7 Austin added that this is the 16th time TDLR has utilized such emergency authority since the implementation of HB 3579 in September 2023. The new bill is designed to swiftly halt the operations of any massage establishment under the dark cloud of suspected human trafficking by TDLR or law enforcement agencies.
TDLR's measures also included a direct closure of the JT Spa on N. Ranch Road 620, following an on-site inspection that found employees residing in the spa and at least one person operating without a license, according to the same report by FOX 7 Austin.
The TDLR and local law enforcement agencies encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms of human trafficking. Concerned citizens can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). In cases of emergency or if someone is perceived to be in imminent danger, calling 911 is urged.
