Tracy Schuhmacher

@RahChaChow

A Gates massage parlor has been shut down after one day in business due to suspected prostitution.

The Gates Police Department arrested Ming Shan Lu, 50, Quiyo Woo, 59, and Lianzi Cui, 50, all of Flushing, New York, for practicing a profession without a license, a class E felony. In addition, Woo was charged with prostitution.

The case has the earmarks of human trafficking, said Gates Police Chief Jim VanBrederode. The women have proper visas from China, do not speak English and have been brought in from the New York City area.

"Obviously we think that's what's going on," VanBrederode said.

On Wednesday, Gates Police noticed an ad on backpage.com under the adult entertainment section. It stated that a massage parlor named Lilac Spa was having a grand opening at 2366 Lyell Ave. Gates Police found that the business had opened the day before, on Tuesday.

Gates police say that previous investigations have revealed that such ads and businesses are often a front for prostitution. After an undercover operation, it arrested the three women.

The women posted bail and will appear in Gates Town Court at a later date.

Legitimate massage parlors are highly regulated by the state and are operated by licensed professionals, Gates Police say.

Police advise consumers to be cautious when selecting a massage parlor.

TRACY@Gannett.com