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Four of the businesses were “abruptly abandoned” this week before inspectors could pay a visit, officials said.
A total of nine Methuen businesses have closed their doors amid the city’s crusade against human trafficking, with four of them “abruptly abandoned” this week before inspectors could pay a visit, officials said Thursday.
“When inspectors arrived at those four locations, they were ghost towns with no sign of activity of any kind,” Mayor D.J. Beauregard said at a news conference. “The message we have sent in declaring war on human trafficking is clear: Methuen is not a safe harbor for these criminal enterprises.”
The four businesses that closed on their own did so “just prior to the arrival of city inspectors,” added Police Chief Scott McNamara. “Now, is that a coincidence? I’ll let you be the judge.”
Neither he nor Beauregard named the four business that closed independently. The city ordered the other five businesses closed as part of its crackdown, all of them spas and massage parlors. According to McNamara, inspectors who visited the spas uncovered code violations and, in some cases, found evidence purportedly consistent with human trafficking.
“Evidence such as prepackaged condoms, lubricants, people living in a commercial space,” he added. “These are items and behaviors not typical of legitimate businesses.”
He clarified that while human trafficking is suspected in many of the recent busts, “it has not been definitively proven in some of the cases and, in fact, in some cases patrons may have received legitimate services.” McNamara also said authorities suspect the businesses may be connected somehow, but they haven’t established any ties.
He and Beauregard joined other local leaders Thursday in announcing the formation of a Methuen Human Trafficking Task Force, aimed at continuing the city’s efforts.
“Although this has been a highly productive week in our fight to eradicate human trafficking from our city, we must not let our foot off the gas,” Beauregard said. “We know that in the sick and depraved world we live in, others may attempt to open new illicit operations masked behind different fronts.”
He urged residents to speak up if they see something suspicious, sharing the city’s anonymous tip line — 978-983-8794 — and a webpage of resources for trafficking survivors. Beauregard also said the city has its sights set on alleged sex buyers.
“I want to send a message to the so-called ‘johns’ who fuel these crimes: you are not invisible,” he said, adding, “If you engage in this vile activity, we will know who you are, and we will hold you up to public shame.”
According to Beauregard, Methuen is investing in enhanced law enforcement technology to aid its efforts, including new license plate readers and an expanded public camera network. McNamara said his department is also considering sending written notices to registered owners of vehicles repeatedly observed at suspected human trafficking hotspots.
“These notifications would seek the cooperation in our efforts to combat human trafficking,” he explained. “Of course, some may find themselves with a little bit of explaining to do when the letters arrive.”
Authorities last week arrested one person — Beauty Garden Spa manager Suping Zhu — on trafficking and prostitution charges in connection with the crackdown. Zhu, 38, has pleaded not guilty, and McNamara said police have an outstanding warrant for a second person.
Appearing alongside Methuen officials Thursday, Safe Exit Initiative Co-Executive Director Audra Doody praised the city for its recent efforts. Identifying herself as a trafficking survivor and a leader in the anti-trafficking movement, she shed further light on the illicit trade.
“The vast majority of people in the sex trade are not there by choice; it is more often circumstances out of their control that place these individuals in harm’s way,” Doody explained, adding, “Traffickers would not sell people if buyers did not exist.”
Both she and Beauregard called on other cities and towns to follow Methuen’s lead.
“These illicit businesses exist everywhere, including in communities where people least expect them,” Beauregard warned.
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