Seven individuals have been charged with first-degree racketeering and promoting prostitution for their alleged involvement in operating a network of illicit massage parlors across New Jersey and New York, according to an announcement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice.
Jessica Yan Xiong, Zongan Lin, Zitian Zhang, Thowleong Chew, Min Li, Ricardo Botti, and Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez face various charges including racketeering, money laundering, leadership of organized crime, promoting organized street crime, and promoting prostitution. The defendants are residents of both states.
Attorney General Platkin stated: “Sophisticated and lucrative criminal networks such as this one thrive on exploitation and manipulation, and they cannot be allowed to operate in our communities. Our investigators and attorneys in the Division of Criminal Justice worked relentlessly to determine the sprawling extent of this operation, and then take it down, making our neighborhoods safer.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton added: “Prostitution is not a victimless crime. The defendants in this case are charged with exploiting women for profit and putting them at risk. This lengthy and complex investigation shows we will not stand by while that happens.”
Court documents allege that Xiong operated Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland since October 2023 despite multiple arrests for prostitution-related offenses at the location. Authorities claim Botti helped Xiong keep the business running even after license denials and shutdowns due to illegal activity. Lin reportedly used his massage license to secure licensure for Yan’s Massage and Reiki starting June 2024.
Xiong is also accused of running other locations including JW Holistic Spa in Fair Lawn; Star Massage and Reiki in Hillsborough; Kyoto 14 in Passaic; Violet Spa in Williamstown; and Sunny Spa in New Brunswick between January 2024 and August 2025. Lin held business licenses for several locations during these periods.
According to authorities, Zhang managed multiple spas alongside Xiong while Chew and Li acted as couriers transporting women between locations. Surveillance showed men frequently visiting each spa. Online reviews indicated sexual acts were performed at these establishments for payment.
A financial analysis revealed more than $300,000 deposited into accounts linked to Xiong since October 2023 despite no evidence she worked at legitimate businesses. Over $72,000 was allegedly spent on promotion, rent, and maintenance of the spas.
On December 2, 2025, law enforcement from New Jersey coordinated with counterparts from New York to execute search warrants at all named locations as well as additional residences connected to the suspects. Authorities seized over $150,000 in cash from various sites; combined with bank deposits this totals over $500,000 believed derived from illegal activity.
The investigation involved detectives from the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, West Milford Police Department as well as assistance from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office.
First-degree racketeering charges carry potential sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years in state prison under the No Early Release Act along with fines up to $500,000. Other related charges may result in sentences ranging from three years up to twenty years depending on degree along with varying fines.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin operates statewide through its divisions overseeing law enforcement activities such as this case. Its responsibilities include legal representation for state agencies as well as oversight on public safety matters throughout all counties according to its official website. The agency is tasked with protecting residents’ lives by enforcing laws across municipalities statewide (source).
