In a major operation, the FBI has successfully dismantled a multi-million dollar brothel operation that catered to high-profile clientele, including political and military leaders. The three alleged ringleaders of the operation, James Lee, Han Lee, and Junmyung Lee, were charged with running brothels in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., and making over a million dollars since 2020.
According to an affidavit submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts by the Department of Homeland Security, the defendants operated the service out of high-end apartments, maintaining “impeccable” records of the operation’s earnings. The affidavit revealed that Han Lee, in particular, had amassed a staggering amount of money running the prostitution business, with two of her bank accounts bringing in $965,000 in mostly cash between December 2019 and October 2023. It is also believed that she has access to other foreign accounts.
The prosecution stated that the brothels were located in apartment complexes in Fairfax and Tysons, Virginia, and attracted a diverse range of clients. The defendants advertised the prostitution services for rates ranging from $350 to $600 and required customers to provide extensive personal information, including full name, birth date, credit card details, employer information, and references.
The clientele reportedly included individuals from various professional backgrounds, such as politicians, pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors with security clearances, professors, lawyers, business executives, technology company executives, scientists, accountants, retail employees, and even students. While federal agents interviewed 20 people involved in the case, it is believed that there may be hundreds of yet-to-be-identified customers.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) charged the three defendants earlier this month, and if convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000. The FBI’s specialized unit that investigates art fraud played a crucial role in gathering evidence against the alleged ringleaders.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat illegal activities, such as human trafficking and prostitution. The investigation serves as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their professional position or background, is above the law.
