A Chinese national named Zengzeng Liu, also known as “Bella,” has been arrested on allegations of trafficking women from Asia to participate in a prostitution ring based in Boston. This case involves significant federal charges.

Federal Charges and Indictment

Liu, aged 40, was indicted on June 24 by a federal grand jury in Massachusetts. She faces four counts of recruiting individuals for prostitution and three counts of using interstate or foreign communications for racketeering. These charges stem from an affidavit filed by an FBI task force member.

Investigation Details

The investigation dates back to late 2025 when the FBI task force began examining advertisements known for promoting prostitution. These advertisements led authorities to certain apartments in Boston’s Allston and Brighton neighborhoods.

FBI Raid

An undercover FBI agent contacted a phone number listed in an advertisement, arranging a $600 encounter at an apartment on Gardner Street in Allston. A neighbor had previously complained about frequent male visitors to that apartment. The agents identified themselves after being greeted by a woman dressed only in underwear.

Inside the apartment, investigators found minimally furnished rooms with single beds covered in white sheets. Bottles of lubricant and toilet paper were also discovered there.

Information from the Women Involved

Using a translation app, a woman stated she was from Japan and had initially traveled to New York City before Liu, known to her as “the boss,” sent her to Boston. She explained that information about appointments, referred to as “dates,” was communicated through WeChat, a Chinese messaging app.

She was expected to collect money from clients and keep a share of the proceeds. However, the cash was collected regularly by Asian men and delivered to Liu.

Recruitment and Control

The operation primarily recruited foreign nationals, including women from Japan and Vietnam. These women were not permitted to leave the apartments. They reported being recruited through WeChat, with none having met Liu in person.

Potential Consequences

If Liu is found guilty, she faces severe penalties. Each count related to the recruitment of individuals for prostitution could lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years, while racketeering charges carry a potential sentence of up to five years.