News Summary
In Farmington Hills, two women have been charged with multiple felonies after a six-month investigation into a human trafficking and prostitution operation at local massage parlors. Chunxiu ‘Eva’ Xu and Runping ‘Lisa’ Huang face serious allegations including forced labor and transporting individuals for prostitution. The investigation, initiated by a tip, revealed a troubling environment for victims forced into sexual services. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to tackling human trafficking and addressing concerns within the community.
Farmington Hills, Michigan – Two women have been charged with multiple felonies following a six-month investigation into a human trafficking and prostitution operation involving several massage parlors across Metro Detroit. Chunxiu “Eva” Xu, 47, of Farmington Hills, and Runping “Lisa” Huang, 61, of Southfield, face serious allegations that include human trafficking enterprise-forced labor and transporting a person for prostitution purposes.
The Oakland County task force initiated the investigation after receiving a confidential tip about suspicious activities taking place at a Thai massage business. Both women were arraigned on May 31, 2025, in separate hearings. Xu was charged in 52-1 District Court in Novi, while Huang was charged in 46th District Court in Southfield. Specific charges against Xu include transporting a person for prostitution purposes, whereas Huang faces additionally charges of human trafficking enterprise-commercial sexual activity and prostitution-accepting earnings.
As of June 3, neither Xu nor Huang had defense attorneys listed in their court records. The development of these charges has raised public concern over the extent of human trafficking following the testimony of five victims who reported being forced to work in the parlors. These victims described a grim reality of being coerced into providing sexual services and enduring extensive working hours, including 12-hour days, seven days a week. Many could not communicate in English, lacked transportation, and were required to surrender their earnings to Huang.
Investigation Details
The investigation involved collaboration among multiple police departments, including those from Novi, West Bloomfield, Farmington, Shelby Township, and the SONIC Task Force. The ongoing operational strategy has involved a strong commitment from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office Trafficking Unit and the Human Trafficking Task Force, which has led to 27 active human trafficking cases being brought against various traffickers since November 2024.
Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings
Community members expressed their shock upon learning about the illegal activities that had been occurring nearby. The revelations have sparked discussions regarding the presence of human trafficking in local neighborhoods and the hidden nature of such crimes. Law enforcement officials have reassured the public that there is currently no ongoing threat to the general community. They have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities they may observe.
Bail and Custodial Information
Huang is being held on a $50,000 cash or surety bond, while Xu faces a higher bail at $150,000 cash or surety bond. These financial penalties reflect the seriousness of the charges against them, as authorities work diligently to ensure justice for the victims involved and to combat the larger issue of human trafficking within the region.
Ongoing Efforts Against Human Trafficking
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has stated that law enforcement is committed to tackling the hidden issue of human trafficking. This situation highlights an ongoing battle against exploitation and the necessity for community awareness and involvement. As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on bringing greater accountability to traffickers and providing support for victims who were subjected to these illegal operations.
The commitment from law enforcement officials serves to reinforce the importance of community vigilance as they continue to monitor and investigate similar activities in the area. Prosecutors and task force members emphasize the imperative nature of maintaining active participation from residents in the fight against human trafficking.
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Additional Resources
- WXYZ: Oakland County Task Force Busts Massage Parlors in Human Trafficking Investigation
- Hometown Life: Human Trafficking Prostitution Charge Metro Detroit Massage Parlors
- Fox 2 Detroit: Human Trafficking Ring Busted Metro Detroit
- CBS News: Human Trafficking and Money Laundering in Oakland County
- Click on Detroit: Victims Worked 12-Hour Days in Massage Parlor Sex Trafficking Ring
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
- Google Search: Human Trafficking
- Google Scholar: Human Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- Google News: Human Trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
