Temporary Injunction Granted Against Massage Establishments Suspected of Human Trafficking

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 8/19/2024, 12:24 p.m.
In a significant move to combat human trafficking, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has secured a temporary …

In a significant move to combat human trafficking, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has secured a temporary injunction against nine massage establishments in Houston and Beaumont. This action targets businesses owned by Hsin Wei Chen (aka Andy Chen or Andrew Chen) following his failure to comply with a prior emergency closure order. 

On August 14, Judge Donnie Burgess issued the injunction, which prohibits Chen from operating or owning any massage establishments in Texas. This comes after Chen disregarded a May 30 order to shut down his businesses and failed to adhere to a June agreement to permanently exit the industry.

TDLR, supported by the Texas Office of the Attorney General, is committed to enforcing strict measures against those suspected of involvement in human trafficking. The case is set for a permanent injunction hearing on September 30.

For anyone suspecting human trafficking, help is available. Contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733. In emergencies, call 911 immediately.

Read more about this crucial development and TDLR's ongoing efforts to fight human trafficking here:  https://stylemagazine.com/news/2024/aug/19/after-failing-close-ordered-temporary-injunction-g