WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) — Two women from Southfield and Farmington Hills are facing serious charges following a six-month investigation into a human trafficking and money laundering operation that spanned several Metro Detroit cities.
Authorities say Runping Huang, 61, of Southfield, and Chunxiu Xu, 46, of Farmington Hills, were arrested and arraigned on multiple charges in connection with a trafficking enterprise that allegedly operated out of cities including Novi, Livonia, and Farmington.
According to West Bloomfield police, the investigation revealed that women were brought in from out of state and coerced into performing sex acts at various massage parlors. Detectives also uncovered a connected money-laundering network.
The investigation was conducted by the SONIC Task Force, with assistance from local departments including Novi, Shelby Township, Farmington Hills, and community organizations such as Oakland County’s Care House.
Xu was charged in Novi District Court with one count of operating a human trafficking enterprise and one count of transporting a person for prostitution. Huang, arraigned in Southfield District Court, faces charges of operating a human trafficking enterprise, running an enterprise for profit through commercial sexual activity, accepting prostitution earnings, and transporting a person for prostitution.
Police said a third suspect has been identified, but details have not yet been released.
Victims are currently receiving assistance through local nonprofits, including safe housing, legal support, and counseling services.
“This was a highly targeted investigation, and there is no ongoing threat to the public,” said Cmdr. Kristie Gruenwald of the Novi Police Department.
