Raids underway at several massage parlors in the Valley

(WKBN) — First News has learned raids are underway at several massage parlors in the Valley.

So far we know of three locations, one on Belmont Avenue in Youngstown. We saw workers boarding up the building around 11 a.m. At least two other buildings are also under investigation: one on Market Street in Beaver Township and another on Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard.

In a news release, Hubbard Police said their response was in collaboration with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force (MVHTF) after a year-and-a-half-long investigation.

The investigation started of the 3C Foot Spa location in February of 2023, uncovering evidence of commercial sex trafficking. Victim advocacy groups also have been assisting law enforcement with necessary resources and support during and following the raid.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects the most vulnerable in our society,” Polie Chief Robert Thompson said in the release. “Our department is dedicated to protecting these victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice. We thank the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force for their invaluable assistance in this case.”

Hubbard Police encourage anyone with information about human trafficking or other related crimes to make a report by calling the Trumbull County Dispatch Center at 330-675-2730.

First News has crews at all three.

This is a developing story. Check back here for the latest updates.

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