Community tips lead to rescue of human trafficking victims from Bellingham massage spa
Two human trafficking victims were rescued in Bellingham by law enforcement Tuesday morning.
Police were given tips months ago from community members regarding the location, 33 Mansion Mental Massage Spa at 1333 Lincoln Street, Suite 2 which is across the street from Bellingham’s Carl Cozier Elementary School, according to a news release from Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
The tips from community members expressed concern about possible human trafficking of females at the location, according to Slater. Law enforcement also found multiple website advertisements suggesting women were available for commercial sex acts, the release said.
The search of the location was conducted by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force (WGDTF) along with the Bellingham Police Department, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection.
The two human trafficking victims who were rescued were offered resources by HSI, according to the release. No arrest details were immediately available.
A search of the location revealed several code violations. However, no business or massage licenses were found during the search. Non-compliance notices will be directed at the property owners who are accountable and ultimately responsible for the conditions of their commercially leased spaces, according to the release.
1333 Lincoln Street is registered to an owner by the name of Chun-Hsu Chen who purchased the property in 2019, according to the Whatcom County Tax Parcel Viewer. The property’s 2023 assessed value was $433,732.
The investigation is ongoing.
Resources
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org
Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616.
▪ Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153.
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Tl’ils Ta’á’altha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and make a report to law enforcement.
To report child abuse or neglect call 1-866-END HARM.
This story was originally published August 13, 2024 at 4:20 PM.
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