FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – It’s a not-so-secret secret. Residents and law enforcement across Broward County are well aware of “shady shops.”
Authorities have spent years trying to shut down illicit massage parlors, ones that offer much more than just shoulder rubs. The problem continues to grow, said Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor, who launched the Stop Abuse, Fight Exploitation Initiative — or S.A.F.E.
“The S.A.F.E. Initiative is an effective way to help landlords, local government, and businesses to recognize, report, or evict illicit businesses that are engaging in human trafficking. If we work together, we can shine a light on those who seek to harm vulnerable people and we can shut down this evil exploitation,” Pryor said.
The initiative aims to reduce human trafficking, prevent victims from being recruited, and shut down illicit massage businesses by closing illegal businesses and disrupting profit.
Illicit massage businesses are storefronts that appear to be legitimate but instead facilitate commercial sex, human and labor trafficking, said Pryor’s office.
They are often located in plazas and strip malls alongside legitimate businesses such as restaurants, daycares, and grocery stores. They can affect public safety and local economies.
This initiative focuses on mobilizing and partnering with landlords, local government, law enforcement, and communities to identify these types of businesses and make it difficult for them to continue to operate in Broward County.
The initiative brings together prosecutors, law enforcement, code enforcement, local government, regulatory agencies, homeowners, landlords, business owners and tenants to be on the lookout for signs of human trafficking in local businesses and report them.
Once suspected illicit massage businesses are identified, all of these groups will work in a coordinated fashion to take down the operation.
Prosecutors have already begun reaching out to Broward municipalities and law enforcement, as well as business and community groups.
Residents who suspect a massage business may be illicit are asked to email safeinitiative@browardsao.com or call 954-831-7487.
Red flags to help identify these types of businesses include:
- The permit or license held by the business is for a different type of business.
- Operating at unusual hours compared to nearby businesses.
- The storefront is curtained or blocked by dark-tinted windows.
- No receptionist/reception area.
- Cameras inside and outside are positioned to see entrants rather than for security purposes.
- The location is kept locked and opened only when customers are at the door.
- Employer-provided housing or employees living in business.
- ATM on site.