The Justice Department announced on Wednesday that three individuals have been arrested on charges of operating a “high-end brothel network” in Massachusetts and Virginia. The clientele of this network included elected officials, military officers, and government contractors with security clearances.
During a press conference in Boston, Joshua Levy, the acting US attorney for Massachusetts, highlighted the diverse range of professions represented in the client list. He stated, “Pick a profession. They’re probably represented in this case.” Levy did not disclose the identities of any of the brothel’s clients but mentioned that multiple search warrants are being executed in Massachusetts, California, and Virginia as part of the ongoing investigation.
The three individuals charged in connection with this case are Han Lee, 41, from Cambridge, Massachusetts; James Lee, 68, from Torrance, California; and Junmyung Lee, 30, from Dedham, Massachusetts. They are facing charges of conspiracy to coerce and entice individuals to travel for engaging in illegal sexual activity. It is expected that they will make their appearance in federal court in Boston either on Wednesday or at a later date.
According to Levy, the three individuals transported women and advertised their services online for pre-approved clients to choose from. They operated the brothels out of rented apartments. The investigation dates back to the summer of 2022, when investigators identified several buyers through surveillance phone records and interviews. Levy stated, “The buyers who made up this ring hail from an array of professions,” including doctors, lawyers, accountants, elected officials, high-tech company executives, military officers, government contractors, professors, and scientists. Levy emphasized that there could potentially be hundreds of individuals who availed themselves of these services as commercial sex buyers. He mentioned that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Levy also revealed that prospective sex buyers in this scheme had to respond to a survey and provide information online, including their driver’s license photos, employer information, and credit card details. They often paid a monthly fee to participate in this network.
CNN has reached out to attorneys representing Junmyung Lee and Han Lee. Currently, no lawyer is listed for James Lee on the court docket.
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