Chinese nationals sentenced to prison for operating illicit massage businesses in southern Illinois

BENTON, Ill. - A district judge sentenced two Chinese nationals to federal prison after they admitted to federal charges for operating massage parlors with employees performing commercial sex acts.

Yalong Cao, 27, and Jianhong Hu Allbright, 58, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the U.S. and one count of money laundering. Both were sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment.

"The human trafficking work in this office is driven by Assistant U.S. Attorneys who have built one of the strongest programs in the country. They train law enforcement, direct investigations, and bring cases when the evidence is there," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "In this investigation, that meant using every available tool-including money laundering charges that are not typical for an illicit massage business. This work has resulted in two federal prison sentences, and it has protected victims who would otherwise have remained trapped in these operations."

According to court documents, Cao and Allbright operated massage parlors that served as fronts for unlawful businesses in which employees engaged in commercial sex. The locations named in the court documents include Rose Spa in Harrisburg, Oriental Home Spa & Massage in Centralia, Sunflower Spa in Mt. Vernon, Oasis Massage Spa in Vandalia and Oriental Massage Parlor in Corydon, Indiana.

"Human trafficking is one of the most challenging crimes to investigate and prosecute, making these sentences a significant victory," said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. "Working together, we will relentlessly pursue those who exploit human lives and bring them to justice."

Allbright admitted to managing the day-to-day operations of the businesses which included arranging transportation and providing supplies for the female employees to engage in commercial sex acts. Cao facilitated operations by recruiting employees and collecting proceeds from the prostitution. The pair admitted to placing online advertisements for the prostitution businesses. Their charged conduct occurred from at least March 2022 through June 2024.

Court documents state Cao and Allbright received more than $25,000 through the businesses.

"Financial activity connected to human trafficking can leave a clear and traceable trail," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. "IRS-CI is dedicated to following the money to identify the individuals and networks profiting from exploiting others. Count on us to be part of joint law enforcement efforts that shut down human trafficking networks and bring the criminals to justice."

The businesses nor the individual masseuses were not licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation nor the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

"Those who profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people cannot hide behind the facade of a legitimate business," said Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. "HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to expose the networks that facilitate commercial sex, follow the money that sustains them and hold those responsible accountable. No victim should be treated as a commodity, and no criminal enterprise should have the ability to operate with impunity."

The Illinois State Police Trafficking Enforcement Bureau, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Illinois Department of Revenue contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karelia Rajagopal prosecuted the case.