A mother and son were arrested on Monday following an extensive undercover investigation that revealed an alleged human trafficking operation linked to two massage businesses in Oakland County. The suspects, Minjie Wu, 54, and her son Ruize Wu, 28, now face multiple felony charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise, human trafficking enterprise, and money laundering.
The investigation was led by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force. It began after suspicious activity at Novi Natural Health and Massage in Novi and Commerce Massage in Commerce Township drew the attention of the Sheriff’s Office. The case was formally transferred to the specialized task force in August 2026.
Over several months, undercover detectives conducted multiple operations at both locations. During these visits, detectives were offered sexual services in exchange for money. In one specific instance, an undercover officer experienced unwanted sexual contact, which led to an additional charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct against Minjie Wu.
On October 7, investigators executed search warrants at four locations connected to the suspects. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than $47,000 in cash and designer merchandise valued at over $75,000. Officers also recovered two vehicles, gold bars, jewelry, business records, electronic devices, and workers' passports. During one search, an employee was found unclothed with a customer.
The investigation further revealed that residential properties associated with the defendants were used to house women from China who were engaged in commercial sexual activity. At one of these residences, investigators discovered a basement containing multiple rooms that appeared to be constructed specifically to accommodate additional workers.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated that the volume of recovered items illustrates the scale of the alleged operation. She noted that in many such cases, women are brought to the country under false pretenses and cut off from their families and friends. McDonald emphasized that these individuals are often forced to perform sex acts with minimal interaction with the outside world.
The case highlights a significant increase in enforcement efforts by the county. Before the formation of the Human Trafficking Unit, the county prosecuted only five human trafficking cases over a nine-year period. Since the unit was established, the number of cases has risen to 45 in just 21 months.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard explained that this increase reflects a sharper focus on identifying and prosecuting offenders rather than solely a growth in the problem. He stated that the rising numbers are evidence of more focus and the resources dedicated to tackling the issue.
Local officials in Pontiac are also taking independent action. Last month, the Pontiac City Council passed an emergency ordinance establishing a six-month moratorium on new non-medical massage businesses. This move has already led to the shutdown of one business that was operating illegally. City Council President At-Large Adrian Austin described the businesses as standing out by advertising illicit services on the dark web.
Pontiac Law Director Tamaris Henagan said the moratorium provides the city with time to review and update its business licensing laws to address current activities. Residents with information regarding suspected human trafficking are encouraged to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force at 248-858-0411.
