Massage parlor complaint leads to six arrests and nearly $116,000 seized in New Jersey raids
“Operation Lucky Kitty” a joint-agency investigation into massage parlors allegedly operating as fronts for illegal activity.
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A tip from a concerned neighbor about suspicious activity at a local massage parlor led to a nine-month undercover investigation into an alleged prostitution and money laundering network spanning Ocean and Bergen counties.
The Toms River Police Department announced the culmination of “Operation Lucky Kitty,” a joint-agency investigation into massage parlors allegedly operating as fronts for illegal activity.
Investigators executed five simultaneous search warrants on Oct. 19 at four massage parlors in Toms River and a residence in Fort Lee.
Detectives seized nearly $116,000 in cash and two vehicles allegedly used to facilitate the operation. The vehicles are now subject to civil forfeiture proceedings.
Six people were arrested on charges ranging from second- and third-degree money laundering and conspiracy to promoting prostitution, maintaining a house of prostitution and obstruction by flight.
The investigation, led by the Toms River Police Special Enforcement Team, expanded after the initial complaint led detectives to uncover what authorities described as a network of connected establishments funneling money through northern New Jersey.
Local authorities worked with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office’s Human Trafficking, Economic Crimes and High Tech units, along with Homeland Security Investigations Atlantic City and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Covenant House NJ was on-site during the raids to provide immediate resources and assistance to people identified as potential victims of human trafficking.
