South Korean Nationals Set to Face Court Hearing for Running Upscale Prostitution Network in the United States

Two South Koreans accused of running brothels in the United States have a court hearing on Monday to decide if they will be held in custody until the case is resolved. Investigators reveal that the clientele of these upscale brothels, situated in rented luxurious apartments in the Boston region and near Washington, DC, consisted of politicians, business leaders, medical professionals, military personnel, and government contractors with security clearances.

A public client list has not been released.

Scheduled for an appearance before a federal magistrate judge on Monday in Worcester, Massachusetts, Han Lee (41) and Junmyung Lee (30) allegedly managed the operations of several brothels in the Boston area. They arranged transportation for sex workers from California, Las Vegas, and Virginia, and ensured a steady rotation of women for customers to select from.

Investigators state that the duo facilitated the transportation of women from airports to the apartment brothels, ensured the women didn't leave by delivering groceries, and organized the procurement of buyers.

A detention hearing for James Lee, 68, who was arrested in connection with the alleged operation, has yet to be scheduled. Lee is believed to have managed the financial aspect of the brothels by leasing apartments under fake identities and operating multiple businesses to potentially launder money.

The three individuals have been accused of conspiring to convince, prompt, attract, and compel one or more individuals to travel across state or international borders to participate in prostitution.

Websites and menus

In the affidavit filed against the three individuals, Agent Zachary Mitlitsky from Homeland Security Investigations provided a detailed account of how federal and local law enforcement discovered the alleged brothel ring. The investigation involved the use of confidential sources, tracking cell phones, conducting stakeouts, executing search warrants, interviewing over 20 buyers, and even sifting through trash to uncover flight records. The affidavit also revealed that the brothels were promoted through two websites, catering to clients in the Boston area and Eastern Virginia, which is located just outside the nation's capital.

The website featured pictures of "models" in suggestive poses wearing underwear, which were intended to attract photographers for hire, as stated in the affidavit. The website's disclaimer stated that it did not promote prostitution and that any money exchanged was solely for companionship, with any further actions being the consensual choice between two adults, according to the affidavit. Allegedly, first-time buyers had to complete a verification process, which involved submitting their driver's license or a headshot, along with other information. Additionally, clients had the option to use a separate website that functioned as a pre-approved system for prostitution rings and sex workers, in a similar manner to TSA-precheck approval, as stated by law enforcement officials.

From there, customers would receive information about the availability of women, along with a discreetly coded list of options for different services, including a more personal "Girlfriend Experience," various sexual acts, and different durations, each with its corresponding price point, as stated in the affidavit.

Running the brothels

Han and Junmyung were responsible for overseeing various brothels in the Boston area, specifically in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They managed their operations using cell phones linked to the contact numbers displayed on the brothels' websites, where women were advertised.

Investigators have stated that Junmyung, who is originally from Korea, entered the United States on a student visa in 2018. The affidavit reveals that Junmyung began working for Hana in 2022 and was observed by investigators surveilling the locations of the brothels. Additionally, Junmyung was seen escorting the women to the apartments, providing them with groceries, and transporting them between different apartments in the vicinity.

The affidavit states that Junmyung leased at least one apartment in his name and was responsible for communicating with clients, arranging appointments with the women, and collecting payments. Han, who supposedly rented multiple brothel locations, also handled client communications and payments. Additionally, Han furnished the apartments and recently purchased items for a new brothel location in Tysons, Virginia in October.

The money

As per an undisclosed source, it has been discovered that James collaborated with brothel operators in arranging apartment leases using both his own name and forged identities. Moreover, he would also assume responsibility for liaising with the apartment management in case any problems arose, based on the contents of the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, the confidential source collaborated with investigators to contact James in order to establish a brothel in Connecticut. James informed the source that his services were priced at $1,000 per month, exclusive of the rent for the brothel locations and any travel expenses. Additionally, he made reference to working with someone named "Hana in Boston" during the conversation.

To elude law enforcement detection, Han, Junmyung, and James purportedly resorted to using money orders, often in amounts less than $1,000, to cover various costs associated with the brothels. This encompassed expenses related to the apartments themselves, as well as deposit payments.

According to a detention memo submitted by prosecutors, James is being portrayed as a potential flight risk and is being recommended to be kept in custody until the case is concluded. The prosecutors assert that James had been involved in money laundering activities, channeling funds from the prostitution trade through an extensive web of fictitious enterprises.

As per the prosecution, James' network of businesses comprises over 80 distinct entities.

The investigation continues

Acting US attorney for Massachusetts, Joshua Levy, informed the press that the arrest of Han, Junmyung, and James has been made. Although the investigation is still in its early stages, Levy clarified that the clients of these brothels have not been charged yet.

Levy emphasized that the government claims there could be numerous individuals who availed themselves of these services as buyers of commercial sex. He clarified that the buyers involved in this case are not facing charges at present and are not identified in the affidavit. However, he highlighted that this is an ongoing investigation in its preliminary stages.