An extensive investigation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has uncovered a lucrative prostitution operation spanning Massachusetts and the Washington, D.C. area, allegedly run by three individuals. The operation reportedly generated over one million dollars and catered to high-profile clients, including figures from political, military, and various professional sectors.
The primary suspects, James Lee of California and Han Lee and Junmyung Lee of Massachusetts, are accused of orchestrating this elaborate scheme from high-end apartments since 2020. Details from the DHS affidavit submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts revealed meticulous records of the operation’s earnings.
Special Agent Zachary Mitlitsky of DHS highlighted the significant income generated by Han Lee, believed to be the central figure in the operation. Investigations into her finances revealed deposits amounting to $965,000, primarily in cash, from December 2019 to October 2023. She is also suspected of having access to additional foreign bank accounts.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged the trio with crimes that could result in up to 20 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000 each if found guilty.
The operation’s modus operandi involved renting apartments in affluent areas of Fairfax and Tysons, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., and arranging for the transportation and accommodation of prostitutes to these locations. The service was advertised with rates ranging from $350 to $600. Potential clients were required to provide extensive personal information, including full names, birth dates, credit card details, employer information, and in some cases, references.
Prosecutors noted the diverse backgrounds of the operation’s clientele, which included politicians, pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors with security clearances, professors, lawyers, business and technology executives, scientists, accountants, retail employees, and students. Investigators believe there may be hundreds of unidentified customers spanning additional professional disciplines not listed in the current charges.
The DOJ has yet to release detailed information about the clientele involved in this case.