A Ventura County jury has convicted four members of a Chinese family-run crime ring for operating a decade-long prostitution empire through fake massage parlors.
Xiangwei Ma, 56, her husband Ming Ma, 40, her brother Xiangdong Ma, 54, and her sister Li Ma, 60, were all found guilty of multiple felonies on Sept. 24 and 29 for pimping, human trafficking and money laundering, according to prosecutors. The family allegedly recruited and exploited women from China for commercial sex work while concealing at least $1.25 million in profits through casinos, life insurance policies, real estate deals and financial institutions.
The investigation began in 2020 after anonymous letters tipped off multiple law enforcement agencies about prostitution and human trafficking at Ventura County massage parlors, including Miracle Massage in Ventura and A+ Massage in Port Hueneme. Investigators determined the Ma family worked together to run brothels disguised as legitimate businesses, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said.
Online reviews had long raised suspicions about what was actually happening behind closed doors at Miracle Massage on Main Street in Ventura.
“It is 100% a massage place that is for guys looking for a happy ending,” one patron wrote in a 2016 Yelp review.
“She asked me if I wanted one and I was super shocked, as she slid her hand near my privates, I told her NO I’m here for only a massage.”
The reviewer added, “This place needs to be shut down!”
Xiangwei Ma, whom prosecutors identified as the ringleader, had previously pleaded guilty to attempted pandering in Los Angeles County and served an 18-month prison sentence. While she was incarcerated, other family members allegedly stepped in to keep the brothels running. After her release, she allegedly reclaimed control and used “straw” owners to hide her involvement in businesses and real estate transactions.
One alleged money-laundering scheme focused on a home on Crowne Oak Lane in Simi Valley, where prosecutors say Xiangwei Ma lied about her employment and income before attempting to obtain a short sale on the property.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko addressed the broader pattern of such operations in a statement.
“Illicit massage businesses are often fronts for human trafficking and pimping where victims are coerced into performing commercial sex work,” he said.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to use the full weight of this office to hold these offenders accountable,” he added.
All four family members were taken into custody at the Ventura County Jail following the jury verdicts. Prosecutors are now seeking to seize the assets tied to the operation. All of the massage parlors involved have since closed.
A fifth defendant, Jaime Calderon, Li Ma’s husband, pleaded guilty to money laundering in August 2023 and was sentenced to time in Ventura County Jail.
Xiangwei Ma faces 17 years in state prison for pimping, mortgage fraud and money laundering. Xiangdong Ma faces 13 years, Li Ma faces eight years, and Ming Ma faces 11 years for pimping and money laundering charges.
The four convicted family members are scheduled to be sentenced later this month and in November.