A man from Flushing has admitted to a money laundering conspiracy involving over $2 million in the Capital Region. Ming Xia, 41, pleaded guilty on March 3 to operating several spas that served as fronts for commercial sex services. The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that Xia laundered the proceeds through third parties and used the funds to acquire properties.
As part of his plea agreement, Xia will forfeit $198,000 in cash, two commercial properties, and four residences. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for July 1, 2026.
This case underscores the ongoing issue of human trafficking and the use of legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities. It also highlights law enforcement’s efforts to disrupt these operations and seize the profits of those involved. According to CBS6 Albany, Xia’s spas generated substantial profits from the sex trade, which he admitted to laundering…