Four California Family Members Convicted in Massage Business Exploitation Case
A Ventura County jury has found four members of the Ma family guilty of felony offenses linked to illegal commercial sex operations and money laundering. The defendants are Xiangwei Ma, Xiangdong Ma, Li Ma and Ming Ma. Prosecutors said their operation used massage businesses to disguise illegal activities. All four were taken into custody following the verdicts.
The investigation began in 2020 after law enforcement agencies received anonymous letters reporting suspected prostitution and human trafficking. According to prosecutors, the businesses operated for more than a decade. Investigators said the defendants recruited and exploited women from China for commercial sex. The establishments were presented to the public as legitimate massage businesses.
All four defendants were convicted of pimping and money laundering, while Xiangwei Ma was also convicted of mortgage fraud. Prosecutors identified her as the leader of the operation. Investigators uncovered transactions involving banks, property, casinos and life insurance policies used to conceal illegal proceeds. Findings in the case established grounds for forfeiting interests in more than $1.25 million in seized assets.
As of October 3, sentencing remained scheduled for later dates. Xiangwei Ma and Xiangdong Ma are due for sentencing on October 23, followed by Li Ma on November 2 and Ming Ma on November 4. Prosecutors reported potential prison terms ranging from eight years and eight months to 17 years. Those figures represent possible penalties, rather than sentences already imposed by the court.