Trader arrested for alleged prostitution

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested a businesswoman for recruiting workers from China whom she allegedly made to work on Saipan as prostitutes.

In a complaint, FBI special agent James T. Barry charged Zheng Ming Yan, also known as “Li-Na,” with interstate travel for purposes of prostitution.

Zheng reportedly operates five businesses on Saipan under two corporations—Great Corp., also known as Greate Corp., and Perfect Corp. The businesses include the Tea House Club Karaoke, 369 Noodle House, Real Live Fish Restaurant, Chan Ming Market, and Golden Cut Hair Salon—all located in Garapan.

Barry said at least three workers were recruited from Dalian, China—Lian Wei, Chi Xiumei, and Wei Qiuxiang.

In his complaint, Barry said the first two women arrived on Saipan on Oct. 3, 2004. Lian allegedly paid $1,900 to the recruiter, while Chi paid about $4,000. Chi agreed to pay half of the fee, about $2,400, to the defendant. Wei, meanwhile, arrived on Saipan on Nov. 11, 2004. Barry said she paid $1,250 to the recruiter and agreed that she would owe the defendant about $5,000.

Barry said all the workers were promised legitimate jobs with a pay rate of $7 per hour. When they arrived, though, the defendant allegedly made them work as prostitutes. Although the women wanted to leave, they were reportedly forced to stay, as the defendant told them they have no way of settling their debts and purchasing airfares back to China except by working as prostitutes.

“The girls would wait inside the karaoke bar, while another employee, acting as pimp, would find customers outside and bring them in. Customers were allowed to pick a girl; then they would go to a room in the back of the bar for sex,” Barry said. The FBI agent said the defendant collected the night’s earnings.

“All three woman stayed in barracks owned by [the defendant],” Barry said. “None of them wanted to stay, but they felt they had no choice. They were told not to file complaints with the Department of Labor.”

The defendant allegedly paid nothing to Lian and Chi for their first six months; and Wei, her first four months. Barry said the defendant started to pay the workers afterwards, but not at the promised hourly rate and with unlawful deductions.