A Ventura County jury has convicted four members of a family accused of running massage parlors across the region as fronts for prostitution, pimping and human trafficking for more than a decade.
Xiangwei Ma, 56, her husband Ming Ma, 40, her brother Xiangdong Ma, 54, and her sister Li Ma, 60, were found guilty on multiple felony counts on Sept. 24 and 29, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. All four were taken into custody at the Ventura County Jail following the verdicts and are scheduled to be sentenced later this month and in November.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said the case reflects a broader pattern seen across the industry. “Illicit massage businesses are often fronts for human trafficking and pimping where victims are coerced into performing commercial sex work,” Nasarenko said. “This case demonstrates our commitment to use the full weight of this office to hold these offenders accountable.”
How the investigation began
The case dates back to 2020, when several law enforcement agencies received anonymous letters alleging prostitution and trafficking at local massage parlors, including Miracle Massage on Main Street in Ventura and A+ Massage in Port Hueneme. Both businesses have since closed.
Investigators determined the Ma family worked together to operate brothels disguised as legitimate massage businesses, recruiting and exploiting women from China for commercial sex, according to the DA’s office.
Online reviews of Miracle Massage had hinted at what was happening inside. One Yelp reviewer wrote in 2016: “It is 100% a massage place that is for guys looking for a happy ending. She asked me if I wanted one and I was super shocked, as she slid her hand near my privates, I told her NO I’m here for only a massage.” The reviewer added, “This place needs to be shut down!”
Money laundering and a Simi Valley property
Prosecutors say the family moved and concealed at least $1.25 million in prostitution profits, laundering the money through financial institutions, life insurance policies, casinos and real estate deals. The DA’s office is now seeking to seize the family’s assets.
One scheme centered on a home on Crowne Oak Lane in Simi Valley, where prosecutors say Xiangwei Ma lied about her employment and income while trying to obtain a short sale on the property.
A ringleader’s return
Prosecutors identified Xiangwei Ma as the ringleader of the operation. She had previously pleaded guilty to attempted pandering in Los Angeles County and served an 18-month prison sentence. While she was incarcerated, other family members allegedly kept the brothels running. After her release, prosecutors say she reclaimed control and used other people as “straw” owners to hide her involvement in the businesses and properties.
Sentences and related case
Xiangwei Ma faces up to 17 years in state prison for pimping, mortgage fraud and money laundering. Xiangdong Ma faces 13 years, Ming Ma faces 11 years, and Li Ma faces eight years, all on pimping and money laundering charges.
A fifth defendant, Jaime Calderon, who is Li Ma’s husband, pleaded guilty to money laundering in August 2023 and was sentenced to time in Ventura County Jail.
