PARSIPPANY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice confirmed that seven individuals have been charged in connection with a large-scale prostitution operation involving illicit massage parlors operating across multiple towns in New Jersey and New York.
Among those charged is Zongan Lin, 50, of Lake Hiawatha, who authorities allege played a significant role in the operation by using his massage license to obtain and maintain business licenses for several locations connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.
Lin, along with Jessica Yan Xiong, 50, of Oakland Gardens, and Zitian Zhang, 34, of New Hyde Park, faces first-degree racketeering, first-degree money laundering, second-degree leader of organized crime, promoting organized street crime, and promoting prostitution charges.
Also charged are Thowleong Chew, 43, of Flushing; Min Li, 41, of Flushing; Ricardo Botti, 56, of Oak Ridge; and Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez, 53, of West Milford. Charges range from racketeering and money laundering to promoting prostitution.
According to court documents, Xiong allegedly operated multiple illicit massage parlors, including Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland, JW Holistic Spa in Fair Lawn, Star Massage and Reiki in Hillsborough, Kyoto 14 in Passaic, Violet Spa in Williamstown, and Sunny Spa in New Brunswick.
Authorities allege Lin held business licenses for several of these locations, including Star Massage and Reiki, Kyoto 14, and Violet Spa, despite prior prostitution-related enforcement actions. Investigators say Lin also maintained residences and business ties in Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and East Hanover that were searched as part of the investigation.
Zhang is accused of managing multiple locations with Xiong, while Chew and Li allegedly transported women and supplies between spas. Surveillance, online reviews, and financial analysis reportedly revealed the locations were used for prostitution, with more than $500,000 in illicit proceeds identified through cash seizures and bank deposits.
On December 2, 2025, law enforcement executed coordinated search warrants at numerous locations across New Jersey and New York, including a residence in Lake Hiawatha associated with Lin. More than $150,000 in cash and evidence of illicit massage operations were seized.
“This investigation dismantled a sophisticated criminal network that exploited women and generated substantial illegal profits,” Attorney General Platkin said.
If convicted, first-degree racketeering charges carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in state prison, subject to the No Early Release Act.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
