Cupertino Spa Probe Tied to Alleged $700K Brothel

Officials in Santa Clara County say a Cupertino massage spa was not just offering relaxation. They say Hummingbird Day Spa was operating like a brothel, with sexual services linked to roughly 30 customers a day. The probe started in March, when neighbors reported suspected illegal sexual activity at the site. Investigators said the operation had been running since at least 2022.

Lin Wang, 46, and Xian Wang, 48, both from San Jose, were taken into custody on Sept. 10. Rui Wang, 42, was also arrested; prosecutors described that person as a managing employee. The three face charges that include pimping, pandering, money laundering, and tax and payroll fraud. County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said prosecutors believe neighborhood brothels have no place in local communities.

The scale of the alleged operation was a major focus. The district attorney's office said the spa was promoted to male customers and saw many men coming in during short stretches each day. Rosen's office said the business brought in about $700,000 a year. Officials also allege the owners listed employee pay more than $100,000 too low each year, while moving profits through mortgage payments and investments.

Cupertino sits in the heart of Silicon Valley and is home to Apple headquarters. The case also comes after a December Santa Clara County action against members of another family. Those officials charged them with running a network of 10 brothels in several cities, including Cupertino.