The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force arrested the owner of several massage parlors and discovered nine women living in the businesses on Thursday.
Jianping Chen, 70, was charged with four counts of second-degree promoting prostitution, according to WVUA.
Chen owns Apple Massage Spa in Tuscaloosa, TuiNa Massage in Tuscaloosa and Eastern Massage in Northport.
Investigators said they are working to determine which of the nine women were victims.
The Task Force received tips that employees were offering sexual services to customers. After an 18-month investigation into the parlors, the Task Force executed search warrants on the businesses and one home.
Counselors with Trafficking Hope were called in to provide services.
Along with law enforcement, the Tuscaloosa County Health Department, fire marshals, the Institute of Data and Analytics at the University of Alabama, and revenue, code enforcement and building inspection departments from Tuscaloosa and Northport took part in the investigation.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.