Collin County Couple Indicted in Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

PLANO, Texas – Two Plano residents have been arrested for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown and Homeland Security Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ryan Spradlin today.             

Quan Tu, 48, a Vietnamese national, and Li Xin, 44, a Chinese national, were arrested on Aug. 15, 2019, in Houston on Dallas County charges stemming from an ongoing sex trafficking investigation in Collin and Dallas counties.  On Sep. 11, 2019, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas returned a three-count indictment charging Tu and Xin with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; conspiracy to use interstate facilities to manage and facilitate an unlawful prostitution enterprise; and money laundering.  

Beginning in December 2018, residents in Richardson, Texas began complaining to the Richardson Police Department that men were traveling to a condominium at all hours of the day and night, some of whom were knocking on neighbors’ doors, seeking sexual services.  Upon further investigation by a task force of state and federal law enforcement agencies, officers determined that Tu and Xin were allegedly operating a prostitution enterprise from that location.  During the investigation, it was revealed that similar operations were being conducted by the same actors in a single-family residence in Plano and a commercial foot spa in Garland.

The investigation further revealed that advertisements for commercial sex were placed on various websites, listing phone numbers that connected back to Tu and Xin.  In the meantime, Asian women traveled to the north Texas area from other states, cities, and countries, often with the promise of legitimate masseuse jobs.  Once in Tu and Xin’s employ, the women were taken to one of the three locations (Richardson, Plano, or Garland) where they lived and serviced customers.  Tu and Xin collected fees from the women, maintained financial control over them, and intimidated them, thereby compelling them into prostitution.   The scheme resulted in the proceeds which allowed Tu and Xin to maintain their lifestyle and to purchase vehicles, including a 2017 Toyota Tundra. 

“These defendants took advantage of women who were vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown.  “The women relied on the defendants for what they needed to live in the United States and it was clear that the defendants were coercive in keeping these women in their employment.  Human trafficking degrades its victims and keeps them trapped in unhealthy situations, and we are committed to doing everything we can to stop it.”

“In many cases, victims of human trafficking are immigrants who have been duped into deplorable circumstances by false promises of a better life. Regardless of the scenario, HSI takes a victim-centered approach in these investigations, and we have the unique ability to provide assistance/benefits to victims no matter their citizenship,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas.  “As public awareness increases, our HSI special agents along with our tremendous partners are identifying, investigating and pursuing prosecution against more and more sex traffickers who criminally and without mercy exploit women against their will to generate profits.”

If convicted, Tu and Xin each face up to life in federal prison.  Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar activities, can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-800-804-3547.  This is a confidential line.  This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Richardson Police Department, with assistance of the Plano Police Department, Garland Police Department, and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.  It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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