The charges involve people with different alleged roles at three businesses, which do not all share the same ownership. Anna Zhao, 41, of Mauldin, owns Tokyo Spa at 16 West Pointe Boulevard and Minami Massage at 314 West Georgia Road in Simpsonville. She and Christopher Michael Morphy, 42, of Simpsonville, whom police described as Zhao’s associate, face charges of trafficking in persons and prostitution, according to WSPA 7News. The report identifies Lianying Cai, 51, Honlian He, 55, and Jufen Tang, 53, as co-owners of Ocean Breeze Massage, formerly U Relax Massage, at 304A North Main Street in Mauldin. Each was charged with prostitution, as was Yuelian Gu, 55, according to WSPA.
Police allege that workers at Tokyo Spa, Ocean Breeze Massage and Minami Massage were paid less than minimum wage and made to live at the businesses. FOX Carolina also reports that police said workers were not free to leave when they wished. Investigators said none of the employees at the three locations held massage-therapy licenses, WSPA reported. These are allegations reported by police; the available accounts do not provide workers’ testimony.
South Carolina massage licensing
South Carolina requires a current state license to provide professional massage services, according to the South Carolina Board of Massage Therapy. The Board says it licenses individuals qualified through education and/or passage of an entry examination, as described on its website.
The investigation led to search warrants at six locations on Sept. 23, 2026. Five people were arrested that day, and police arrested Tang on Sept. 29, bringing the total to six, according to WSPA. The station reported that Zhao, Morphy, Cai, He and Gu were being held at the Greenville County Detention Center, as was Tang after her arrest.
The case grew out of a 2025 report of an assault at U Relax Massage, which later became Ocean Breeze Massage. WSPA reported that Mauldin police received the report on April 25. Later that month, an undercover officer was reportedly assaulted during a massage at the business, and an employee was arrested and charged with prostitution. In June 2026, police received a tip about Tokyo Spa, according to FOX Carolina.
Mauldin police say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Cox at (864) 289-8980 or [email protected], according to WSPA.
