Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Qingqin Xie, age 39, and a citizen of China, was ordered detained today after being arrested yesterday and charged with using interstate facilities of commerce to manage a business enterprise engaged in prostitution.
According to the criminal complaint, Xie owned and operated spas throughout the Capital Region that purported to offer massage services but also commercial sex. Xie paid for internet-based advertisements, many of which were sexually explicit, to promote her businesses. In October 2024, law enforcement searched Xie’s Moon Spa in East Greenbush, New York, and seized evidence of commercial sex acts taking place there. Xie continued to open and operate similar spas, including by employing women to engage in sex acts with customers.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “As alleged, Xie, who does not have lawful status in the United States, ran a prostitution business out of massage parlors and failed to stop even after law enforcement searched one of those parlors last year. My Office will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who sexually exploit people for profit are held accountable.”
Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Criminal Investigation (FBI), stated, “As alleged, Ms. Xie was operating an extensive commercial sex enterprise, using multiple massage parlors as a cover for prostitution. This arrest should send a message that the FBI, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will investigate and shut down these disturbing illicit businesses and ensure those who operate them are brought to justice.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “The culmination of this investigation would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and expertise of our partners in law enforcement. As charged, this individual had no regard for the impact their actions would have on the safety and well-being of others. Intercepting illegal businesses will continue to be a top priority and integral part of protecting our communities from the associated harm they bring.”
Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), stated, “Qingqin Xie is accused of running an elaborate prostitution scheme spanning the Capital Region. The alleged crimes demonstrate a brazen disregard for the sanctity of U.S. law and wellbeing of the New York public. I commend HSI Albany and our many law enforcement partners for ensuring she faces the consequences of her alleged actions.”
The charge filed against Xie carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The FBI, NYSP, IRS-CI, and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.