A Chinese national residing in the US has been charged with running a sex trafficking ring that recruited women from various Asian countries to work in brothels in Boston. Zengzeng Liu, also known as “Bella,” faces federal charges related to prostitution and racketeering enterprises. Liu, 40, was arrested in New York and is set to appear in a Boston court on July 8.
The indictment alleges that Liu orchestrated an international sex trafficking operation, recruiting women from Japan, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines to engage in commercial sex activities in Boston. She allegedly managed the logistics of these activities, including coordinating appointments and collecting commissions. Liu is accused of using fraudulent means to secure apartments for operating brothels.
Victims involved in the operation reportedly received instructions from Liu, known as “Bella,” through the WeChat messaging app. These women traveled through various countries before reaching Boston, where they engaged in commercial sex acts. Law enforcement discovered cash, condoms, and other items during raids on the brothel locations, seizing approximately $105,000 in cash.
If convicted, Liu could face a maximum of 20 years in prison for persuading individuals to engage in prostitution and up to five years for each racketeering-related charge.
