A Dallas Police Department investigation in February of this year involving prostitution and possible human trafficking has led to search warrants that involve addresses in Southlake, Arlington, Grapevine, Irving, Carrollton as well as Dallas. Among those area searched was a popular Southlake restaurant, Dragon House.
In February, 2019, the Dallas Police Vice Unit began investigating prostitution and possible human trafficking at Jade Spa, an illicit massage business located at 2006 Market Center.
Vice detectives confirmed prostitution was taking place inside the Jade Spa business and surveillance indicated the possibility of sex trafficking, which is frequently found in illicit massage businesses. Over the next several months the investigation expanded to include identification of the operators, investors, and owners of the business.
On Oct. 30, 2019, the Dallas Police Department, along with local law enforcement partners, executed search warrants at Jade Spa and eight associated addresses in Dallas, Carrollton, Grapevine, Arlington, Southlake, and Irving.
A search warrant was executed at Dragon House restaurant in the 2600 block of E. Southlake Blvd. in Southlake, according to a news release from the Dallas Police Department. The restaurant is directly tied to Jade Spa’s owners and management and is financially linked to the illegal activities at Jade Spa.
Six people were charged with Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. Three remain at large.
Those arrested were taken to Dallas Police headquarters to be interviewed before being transported to the Dallas County Jail.
Detectives detained multiple individuals inside the search warrant locations and are working with governmental and non-governmental organization partners on-site to identify and offer support to those found to be victims of trafficking.
The City of Dallas Certificate of Occupancy for Jade Spa has been revoked and community prosecutors from the City Attorney’s Office have obtained a temporary restraining order to keep the business from reopening. Warrants were also executed at several local banks and approximately $370k related to the criminal operation was seized and/or frozen.
The Dallas Police Department extends thanks to our state and federal partners for their assistance and to our law enforcement partners with the Irving, Arlington, Grapevine, and Southlake Police Departments for their assistance in executing multiple search warrants in their respective jurisdictions. This complex investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released at soon as practicable, according to the DPD. .