AUSTIN, Texas — A pair of massage businesses in Austin have been closed after investigations by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) found that the businesses were engaged in human trafficking and offering illicit sexual acts.
Bibo Spa, located on Parmer Lane, was ordered to close by the TDLR after investigators found evidence that the business was featured in online advertisements with sexual content, as well as reviews discussing sexual services reviewers had received. Investigators also found that Bibo Spa employees were living at the business.
An employee at the business told investigators that the owner, identified as Tuyen Thi Nguyen, was forcing her to offer sexual services to customers and held debts against employees, forcing them to continue working for the owner.
A second business, Rejuve Wellness located on San Antonio Street, was ordered to close after TDLR investigators found both unlicensed masseuses performing sexual services and online ads for the business that offered sexual services.
Under Texas House Bill 3579, which went into effect in September 2023, TDLR’s executive director can issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR believes human trafficking is occurring at the establishment.
These are the 12th and 13th orders issued by the department since the law went into effect.