Qingqin Xie, a 39-year-old Chinese national, has been ordered detained following her arrest on charges of using interstate facilities to operate a prostitution business in New York’s Capital Region. The criminal complaint alleges that Xie owned and managed spas in the area that advertised massage services but also offered commercial sex acts. Authorities say she paid for online advertisements, many of which were sexually explicit, to promote these businesses.
In October 2024, law enforcement searched Moon Spa in East Greenbush, New York—one of Xie’s businesses—and reportedly found evidence indicating commercial sex acts occurred there. Despite this search, investigators allege that Xie continued to open and run similar establishments, employing women to engage in sex acts with customers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that the charges are accusations and that Xie is presumed innocent unless 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), said, “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 commented on the investigation: “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 at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office added: “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.”
Harry T. Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge at IRS-Criminal Investigation New York said: “It’s alleged Xie created a business enterprise with the prostitution of women; and like with any business, IRS-CI continues to offer its expertise in following the money. We are proud of our continued law enforcement partnerships which ensure that people like Xie can no longer exploit women and their bodies for a profit.”
If convicted on this charge alone—which carries a maximum sentence—the defendant could face up to five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
The case is being investigated by agents from several agencies including FBI Albany Field Office; New York State Police; IRS-Criminal Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation—a multi-agency initiative focused on identifying and dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S. security through intelligence-driven investigations led by prosecutors from various agencies (https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF).
