Two people were arrested after an undercover Polk County Sheriff's Office operation at a Lakeland massage parlor uncovered alleged illegal activity and licensing violations.
By Staff Reporter
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published June 23rd, 2026
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LAKELAND, Fla. — What began as a routine undercover compliance check at a Lakeland massage parlor ended with two arrests and a broader investigation into potential illegal activity, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
On Monday, June 22, detectives with the Polk County Sheriff's Office Vice Unit visited New Oriental Massage, located on Lakeland Highlands Road, as part of an ongoing effort to identify possible victims of human trafficking and investigate reports of illegal conduct at massage establishments.
During the undercover operation, detectives say a woman working inside the business allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct with an undercover deputy.
According to investigators, 52-year-old Qiaoli Zhang of Lakeland was arrested after allegedly grabbing the detective's groin during a massage session. Detectives also determined that Zhang was not licensed by the state of Florida to perform massage therapy services.
She was subsequently charged with Committing Lewd Acts, Unlicensed Massage, and Violation of Massage Practice Requirements before being transported to the Polk County Jail.
Investigators contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after learning Zhang is currently awaiting a decision on her asylum status.
As detectives continued their investigation, attention shifted to the business itself.
Authorities say the establishment's massage therapy license was issued to 36-year-old Zhike Chai, who is listed as the owner of the business.
Chai was arrested and charged with Maintaining a Place for Prostitution, Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution, and Employing an Unlicensed Massage Therapist.
Sheriff Grady Judd said operations like this remain an important tool in identifying potential victims of exploitation while also ensuring businesses comply with Florida law.
"Our detectives will continue to check these types of businesses to identify and help the victims of human trafficking,"Judd said. "We are also committed to ensuring any businesses within Polk County are operating within full compliance of Florida Statutes."
Investigators emphasized that, at this time, there is no evidence indicating Zhang was a victim of human trafficking.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says its Vice Unit will continue conducting undercover inspections and investigations at massage parlors and similar businesses throughout the county as part of its ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal activity.
Source: Polk County Sheriff's Office
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