New Hampshire Crackdown: Illicit Massage Parlors Targeted in Trafficking War

Derry, New Hampshire, USA - The hidden issue of human trafficking is not as far from home as one might think. In New Hampshire, recent efforts have unveiled a grim reality: illicit massage parlors are not just places for relaxation; they are often hubs of exploitation, serving as fronts for human sex trafficking. Concord Monitor reports that since November, the New Hampshire Department of Justice has closed nearly half of the identified illicit massage parlors, targeting establishments tied to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

These businesses lure many vulnerable individuals, particularly immigrants, under false pretenses of employment. Assistant Attorney General Alexander Kellermann emphasized that these operations are not legitimate massage parlors; rather, they operate as trafficking centers, sometimes even housing the victims inside. In Derry, six businesses were singled out for exploiting women, among the 15 closures across towns from Londonderry to Salem.

The Scope of the Issue

According to Our Rescue, an estimated 7,500 to 9,000 illicit massage businesses operate in the U.S., with these being the second most common type of human trafficking. The illicit establishments generate billions in revenue while exploiting vulnerable women, primarily from countries like China and South Korea. Shockingly, the average revenue per location reaches approximately $250,000 annually.

Ongoing investigations in New Hampshire have revealed a significant correlation between illicit massage parlors and the larger, shadowy networks of human trafficking wiring through major U.S. cities. Victims often find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, coercion, and fear, making it difficult for law enforcement to dismantle these operations. Moreover, many victims shy away from stepping forward due to fear of their traffickers and complex legal issues surrounding their immigration status.

Community and Legislative Response

The law enforcement campaign is part of a broader initiative that includes collaboration with organizations such as the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. Amanda Grady Sexton notes these businesses often operate in plain sight, reflecting a troubling normalcy around their presence. To combat this, there’s a push for legislative reform to hold accountable not only traffickers but also landlords who knowingly allow such activities within their properties.

In a commendable move, a new law elevates penalties for those allowing properties to be used for prostitution, aiming to close regulatory gaps that had enabled such activities to flourish. As Meg Chant, a Coalition program director, points out, some illicit businesses are migrating to New Hampshire as tougher laws take root in neighboring states. This exodus highlights the heightened need for consumer awareness and vigilance.

Recognizing the Signs

So how can community members assist the fight against this hidden crime? Unusual business hours, covered windows, and discreet entrances can all indicate suspicious activities. Victims may appear isolated and fearful, failing to recognize themselves as victims of trafficking. It’s crucial for residents and landlords to remain vigilant and report any suspected illicit activity to the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Anti-Trafficking Hotline at 603-271-9703, or contact the 24/7 domestic violence and sexual assault hotline at 866-644-3574 for support services.

It’s evident that much work remains ahead not only to shut down illicit operations but also to provide vital support to victims of trafficking. The fight against human trafficking requires community awareness and a firm stance against exploitation. Actions taken today could reshape the very fabric of our local society, ensuring a safer environment for all.