Greenville, SC, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Yujie Chen, the owner of Amazing Massage in Greenville, has been charged with operating a brothel following an investigation by the Greenville Police Department. The investigation, which began in September, revealed evidence of sexual services being offered at the parlor. Chen is in custody under an immigration detainer with ICE as part of a broader national human trafficking initiative called ‘Operation Coast to Coast.’ The situation highlights growing concerns around human trafficking in Greenville County, which ranks top in South Carolina for such reports.
Greenville – A massage parlor owner has been charged with operating a brothel in Greenville, South Carolina, following a detailed investigation by the Greenville Police Department (GPD) into possible human trafficking at the establishment. Yujie Chen, 37, the owner of Amazing Massage located at 1013 B North Pleasantburg Drive, was placed under arrest as part of the investigation which began in September.
During the inquiry, GPD conducted several traffic stops of individuals leaving Amazing Massage. Many of these individuals reportedly admitted to receiving sexual services at the location. On Thursday, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the business in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and multiple federal agencies.
During the search, officers recovered bodily fluids and other pieces of evidence that corroborated the operation of a business engaged in sexual activity. Two individuals were detained at the time, and Yujie Chen was subsequently booked into the Greenville County Detention Center, where she remains in custody under an immigration detainer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The investigation is ongoing and involves coordination with various partners at both the state and federal levels, including the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. This incident is part of a broader national initiative against human trafficking, known as “Operation Coast to Coast.” The recent efforts of this operation have resulted in 34 arrests and the identification of 68 adult trafficking victims and 3 minor trafficking victims across 15 states, involving over 150 law enforcement agencies.
Greenville’s Amazing Massage is not the only local establishment under scrutiny. It follows recent searches at 5K Spa on Parkins Mill Road and Stress Away on North Pleasantburg last month. Additionally, a previous search was conducted at Amazing Massage in July 2024 concerning prostitution; however, details from that investigation were not disclosed.
In South Carolina, the situation regarding human trafficking is alarming. The South Carolina Attorney General’s office has reported that Greenville County ranks number one in the state for reports of human trafficking. Concerns have been expressed by local residents regarding safety issues related to these activities, particularly at night.
The ongoing investigation into Amazing Massage and related operations raises critical questions about human trafficking in the area and will continue to be monitored closely, with further updates expected as more information comes to light.
Summary of Key Facts
- Yujie Chen, 37, charged with operating a brothel at Amazing Massage.
- Investigation began in September, involving GPD, SLED, and federal agencies.
- Search warrant executed; evidence of sexual activity found.
- Chen remains in custody under an immigration detainer with ICE.
- Part of nationwide operation “Coast to Coast,” leading to 34 arrests.
- Greenville County has highest reports of human trafficking in South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who has been charged with operating a brothel in Greenville, South Carolina?
- A woman named Yujie Chen, 37 years old, has been charged with operating a brothel at Amazing Massage located at 1013 B North Pleasantburg Drive.
- When did the investigation into the massage parlor begin?
- The investigation into possible human trafficking at the massage parlor began in September.
- What evidence was found during the search of Amazing Massage?
- During the search at Amazing Massage, bodily fluids and other evidence consistent with the operation of a business engaged in sexual activity were recovered.
- Is Yujie Chen still in custody?
- Yes, Yujie Chen has been booked into the Greenville County Detention Center and remains in custody under an immigration detainer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- What nationwide operation is this incident a part of?
- This incident is part of a nationwide anti-human trafficking operation known as “Operation Coast to Coast.”
- How many arrests and trafficking victims were identified in the recent operation?
- The operation resulted in 34 arrests and the identification of 68 adult trafficking victims and 3 minor trafficking victims.
- What rank does Greenville County hold for human trafficking in South Carolina?
- According to the South Carolina Attorney General’s office, Greenville County ranked number one in the state for reports of human trafficking.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Amazing Massage, 1013 B North Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC |
| Owner’s Name | Yujie Chen, 37 |
| Charges | Operating a brothel |
| Investigation Start Date | September |
| Evidence Found | Bodily fluids and evidence of sexual activity |
| Detention Status | In custody under immigration detainer |
| Nationwide Operation | Operation Coast to Coast |
| Arrests in Operation | 34 arrests |
| Trafficking Victims Identified | 68 adults, 3 minors |
| Local Concern | Greenville County number one in state for human trafficking |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville Massage Parlor Brothel Prostitution Raid
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking in the United States
- Fox Carolina: Owner Charged with Operating Brothel
- Google Search: Prostitution Law South Carolina
- WSPA: Greenville Massage Spa Prostitution Arrest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Exploitation
- Count on 2: 27 Arrested in Greenville Prostitution Sting
- Google News: Human Trafficking Greenville South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
