(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Des Moines Police Department Vice and Narcotics Control Section has rescued three victims, and made an arrest in a months long human trafficking investigation. According to Des Moines P-D Public Information Officer, Sgt. Paul Parizek, responding to neighborhood complaints regarding suspicious activity at a massage parlor in the
800 block of Hull Avenue, investigators began an investigation in January 2024. On Wednesday, May 8,  2024, investigators executed a search warrant at the business. Three adult female victims were found within the business at the time of the search warrant. Polk County Victims Services is assisting with safe housing, and connecting the victims with support and recovery services.

Huirong Zhou

Evidence indicating forced labor and commercial sexual activity was recovered, and more than $80,000 has been seized. Following consultation with the Polk County Attorney’s Office, 42-year-old Des Moines resident Huirong Zhou has been charged with three Class-B Felony counts of Human Trafficking. Zhou is currently being held at the Polk County Jail.

The Des Moines Police Department Vice and Narcotics Control Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking activity. For more information on human trafficking awareness, and how you can help fight the crime, go to DHS.gov/Blue-Campaign.