California family convicted in decade-long sexual exploitation ring

A Ventura County jury in California has found four members of a family guilty of operating an extensive prostitution and sexual exploitation ring that functioned for over a decade. The criminal network, led by Xiangwei Ma, utilized massage parlors as fronts to facilitate prostitution and exploit women from China.

Prosecutors allege the family laundered at least $1.25 million in illicit proceeds through various channels, including financial institutions, life insurance, casinos, and real estate transactions. Xiangwei Ma had previously served an 18-month prison sentence for attempted pimping in Los Angeles County; authorities state that while she was incarcerated, other family members managed the operations, and she resumed leadership upon her release using straw buyers to conceal her involvement in businesses and properties.

The four defendants are currently held in the Ventura County jail, with sentencing scheduled for late October or November. The prosecution is seeking the seizure of assets linked to the illegal activities.