Yakima Massage Parlors Busted for Prostitution

Authorities say it's one of the biggest single sweeps in Washington state, perhaps even the country.

Six Asian massage parlors in Yakima were raided and shut down over the weekend, over allegations they were engaging as fronts for prostitution and other illegal sexual activities. The sweep involved at least 30 officers from several enforcement agencies.

Police were tipped off to the possible activity by a complaint made against the Far East Massage parlor last year. According to authorities, a customer reported a woman offered to perform a sexual act on the customer for money.

Police had been looking to investigate the parlors for some time, and the raids netted six arrests. According to the Yakima Herald-Republic:

"The businesses were Far East Spa at 1517 Summitview Ave.; Sunshine Massage at 901 W. Yakima Ave.; Oriental Spa at 707 N. First St.; Asian Massage at 1111 N. First St.; Lavender Spa at 4809 Tieton Drive; and Asian Foot Massage at 1102 W. Lincoln Ave."

All had opened within the last year and a half, and were operating without valid Washington state operators licenses. Additional information is expected to be released this week.

City officials plan to use code enforcement to ensure the parlors will not reopen.