San Jose Police Arrest Two in Alleged Human Trafficking Operation Linked to Illicit Massage Businesses

Yanqiong Xiong, 39 (left) and Guijun Zhao, 45 (right) arrested for allegedly running a brothel out of two San Jose businesses.

Two San Jose, California, residents have been arrested in connection with a suspected brothel operation following a coordinated human trafficking investigation, authorities announced Wednesday.

Yanqiong Xiong, 39, and Guijun Zhao, 45, were taken into custody on May 29 and are facing serious charges related to human trafficking. The arrests followed a collaborative investigation conducted by the San Jose Police Department's Human Trafficking Task Force and the National Human Trafficking Training Center.

Authorities say their operation focused on targeting illicit massage businesses suspected of being fronts for sexual exploitation. Investigators were led to two locations in San Jose: one in the 300 block of West Julian Street and another in the 1800 block of Sheri Ann Circle.

At both sites, officers reported the discovery and rescue of three women believed to be survivors of human trafficking. Police allege that Xiong and Zhao were operating the businesses as brothels, though it remains unclear if they were the registered owners. Officials have not released the names of the businesses involved.

Xiong is currently being held without bail at the Santa Clara County Main Jail. Zhao has been released from custody, according to jail records.

Law enforcement agencies emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The case highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.