Southfield Women Charged in Human Trafficking Operation

News Summary

Runping “Lisa” Huang and Chunxiu “Eva” Xu have been charged in a human trafficking operation involving multiple massage parlors in Metro Detroit. Following a six-month investigation, authorities uncovered illegal activities catering primarily to male customers and discovered five victims coerced into sex work. Huang faces serious charges that could lead to a 20-year sentence, while Xu is charged with transporting individuals for prostitution. The case highlights ongoing efforts in Oakland County to combat human trafficking and support victims.

Southfield, MI – Two women, Runping “Lisa” Huang, 62, of Southfield, and Chunxiu “Eva” Xu, 47, of Farmington Hills, have been charged in connection with a human trafficking operation involving multiple massage parlors in the Metro Detroit area. The charges follow a comprehensive six-month investigation led by the Oakland County task force, which uncovered illegal operations at several establishments primarily catering to male customers.

Huang and Xu were arraigned over the weekend and are currently in custody at the Oakland County Jail. Huang’s bail is set at $50,000, while Xu’s is set at $150,000. Both women face serious charges that could lead to lengthy prison sentences if convicted. Huang has been charged with operating a human trafficking enterprise and accepting earnings from prostitution, facing a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years. Xu is charged with conducting a human trafficking enterprise and transporting a person for prostitution.

This investigation is part of a growing effort in Oakland County, which has seen nearly 30 human trafficking cases reported since November 2024. The operation began after the Novi police received an anonymous tip regarding suspicious activities at a Thai massage business located near 10 Mile and Meadowbrook roads. Following this lead, undercover officers conducted surveillance that revealed multiple locations involved in the illegal operations.

Law enforcement officials connected the illegal activities to another massage parlor on Grand River Avenue in Farmington. During the course of the investigation, authorities discovered five victims who were coerced into sex work and transported from out of state. These victims are now receiving assistance from local nonprofits dedicated to helping individuals affected by human trafficking.

Witnesses reported that these businesses often kept their doors locked during the day, suggesting a level of control and secrecy regarding operations. Many of the victims involved reportedly faced exploitative working conditions, were forced to work long hours, did not speak English, and lacked transportation to escape their situations. Prosecutors stated that these women were required to relinquish their earnings to Huang and Xu, adding to the severity of the alleged crimes.

Collaboration among various law enforcement agencies was crucial for the success of this investigation. The Warwick Township police, Novi Police Department, Farmington Hills, and Shelby Township, among others, played vital roles in this multi-agency operation. Cmdr. Kristie Gruenwald of the Novi Police emphasized the critical role of community vigilance in identifying and reporting potential human trafficking activities.

Local residents have expressed shock at the revelations of the operation, highlighting the importance of law enforcement’s efforts in combating human trafficking in their neighborhoods. The community’s response underscores a growing awareness of the issue and the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent such crimes from happening.

The investigation and subsequent arrests reflect a wider initiative within Oakland County to address and eradicate human trafficking. Authorities are committed to taking actionable steps to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

As the judicial process unfolds for Huang and Xu, the focus remains not only on securing legal accountability but also on providing necessary support to those who have been affected by this heinous crime.

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Additional Resources

• WXYZ: Oakland County Task Force Busts Massage Parlors
• Hometown Life: Human Trafficking Charges in Metro Detroit
• CBS News: Human Trafficking and Money Laundering in Oakland County
• Click On Detroit: Victims Worked 12 Hour Days in Trafficking Ring
• Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking

Author: HERE Novi