8 indicted for running 'bar girls' out of Federal Way nightclub

[Philip]

8 indicted for running 'bar girls' out of Federal Way nightclub
by Levi Pulkkinen: Jan 13, 2012

Photo; http://media.komonews.com/images/120113_sex_trafficking_fugitives.jpg
A grand jury in Seattle has indicted eight people accused of sex
trafficking recent immigrants out of a Federal Way nightclub,
including two fugitives pictured here.


SEATTLE -- A grand jury in Seattle has indicted eight people accused
of sex trafficking recent immigrants out of a Federal Way nightclub.

Federal prosecutors contend The Blue Moon nightclub owner Chang Young
Kim and seven others recruited women in Korea and elsewhere overseas
to work as "hostesses" at the club, then forced them to work as
prostitutes.

Describing the club as a "room salon," prosecutors contend the women
were expected to repay their travel expenses by having sex with club
clients.

"The organizers of this criminal scheme exploited vulnerable young
women to satisfy their greed," U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan said in a
statement. "They also sought to protect their business by offering
bribes to law enforcement."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigators launched the probe
in November 2009 after receiving a tip from Seattle police.

During the investigation, Kim allegedly paid $15,000 in bribes to an
investigator posing as a corrupt police officer. Investigators still
hope to determine whether the women were taken to other clubs outside
the state.

In addition to Kim, a 58-year-old Milton resident, and his 35-year-old
wife Yeun Jeong Mun, authorities have arrested the alleged madam of
the club - Miyoung Roberts, 40 - as well as the club's manager and two
others allegedly involved in the scheme.

Investigators are still searching for Sung Hee Han, a 40-year-old
Federal Way woman who allegedly worked as an assistant madam at The
Blue Moon, and former club manager Hee Jae Cho, also 40.

Investigators believe Cho may currently be in the Los Angeles area and
are asking for anyone with information regarding either defendant's
whereabouts to contact ICE's tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE.

The 12-count indictment included allegations of money laundering,
immigration fraud and prostitution-related offenses. All six
defendants arrested Thursday remain jailed.

Seattlepi.com is a media partner of KOMO News.


Source;

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Federal-Way-Blue-Moon-nightclub-owner-indicted-for-prostitution-money-laundering-137291958.html


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