Crime
State Police arrest 5 from Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut following investigation into commercial sexual activity and money laundering at spa
The Rhode Island State Police today announced that on Thursday, five individuals were arrested following an extensive investigation into illicit commercial sexual activity and money laundering at Smilers Day Spa, located at 1185 North Main Street, Providence.
The Rhode Island State Police Special Victims Unit initiated the investigation in October of 2025, after receiving a confidential tip that commercial sexual activity was occurring at the family owned and operated massage parlor. Initial investigation revealed the spa had been closed and raided in the past for prostitution and suspected human trafficking, with the last time being in 2019. Detectives furthered the investigation by conducting undercover operations, conducting surveillance, and serving over fifty search warrants for various financial institutions, cash applications, and tax records. Detectives saw only men consistently frequent the massage parlor, most days between 25 and 40 men. Smilers Day Spa was the subject of online reviews making clear that sexual acts were being performed in exchange for money. The investigation established evidence that the owners and operators of Smilers Day Spa conspired to run a commercial sexual activity establishment and then money launder the proceeds of the illicit criminal activity. The women suspected to be engaged in sex work resided full time within the commercially leased property.
This investigation was supported through a multidisciplinary approach. Detectives worked with prosecutors from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office from the early stages of the investigation. Furthermore, detectives were able to provide support to the recovered victims in collaboration with members of Family Services of Rhode Island, the Sojourner House, FBI Victim Service Advocates, Safe Futures, Providence Fire Department, and Grace Harbor Church. As a result of this investigation, four suspected victims were provided with critical support services, including housing, counseling, and medical care. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors on their path to recovery.
On Thursday, members of the Rhode Island State Police Detective Bureau, in collaboration with, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Connecticut State Police, Norwich Police Department, and Johnston Police Department executed multiple search warrants including Smilers Day Spa, Kirkbrae Drive, Lincoln, Rhode Island and Allyn Avenue, Norwich, Connecticut. In total, $81,579.42 in cash was seized as a result of the searches.
As a result of this joint investigation the following individuals were arrested:
Larry Chow, age 65, Norwich, CT
· Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Keeping or Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
· Violation of Workers Compensation Laws – Felony
· Violation of Payment of Wages Laws (3 counts) – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
· Fugitive From Justice (arrested in Connecticut)
Naja Ho, age 70, Lincoln, RI
· Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Keeping or Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
· Violation of Workers Compensation Laws – Felony
· Violation of Payment of Wages Laws (3 counts) – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
· Violation of Casino Gaming Laws – Felony
Monica Chow, age 33, Lincoln, RI
· Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Keeping or Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
· Violation of Workers Compensation Laws – Felony
· Violation of Payment of Wages Laws (3 counts) – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
· Violation of Casino Gaming Laws – Felony
Yong Kim, age 67, Flushing, NY
· Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Keeping or Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Pandering or Permitting Prostitution – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Felony
Haiyue Cui, age 30, Lincoln, RI
· Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Laundering of Monetary Instruments – Felony
· Violation of Casino Gaming Laws – Felony
