Two individuals accused of being key figures in a sophisticated high-end brothel network operating in the Boston area have agreed to voluntarily remain in custody until their trial. Han Lee and Junmyung Lee, both implicated in the alleged prostitution ring, were deemed flight risks due to their history of deceit and access to substantial financial resources. The government presented its case for their detention in an affidavit filed prior to the hearing.

According to the document, 41-year-old Han Lee of Cambridge is identified as the leader and organizer of the prostitution network. Investigators allege that she recruited women, managed the organization's website and business records, as well as maintained the brothel units in both Massachusetts and during trips to Virginia. Special Agent Zachary Mitlitsky stated in the affidavit that Han Lee concealed over $1 million in prostitution proceeds through the purchase of structured money orders, cash deposits, and various bank and peer-to-peer transfers.

Han Lee is additionally accused of engaging the two co-defendants to rent apartments for use as brothels. Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, reportedly told investigators that he received monthly payments of $6,000 to $8,000 from Han Lee for his role in the prostitution business. His tasks allegedly involved direct communication with clients, assisting sex workers, and collecting proceeds from the apartments. Investigators have asserted that Junmyung Lee used prostitution earnings to purchase a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette.

The third defendant in the case, James Lee, 68, was apprehended in California and has already been ordered to be held in custody pending trial by a federal judge in that state. Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy disclosed earlier this month that the brothel network facilitated the movement of predominantly Asian women across the United States. The clientele consisted of politicians, corporate executives, doctors, military officers, lawyers, professors, and scientists, who paid a monthly fee in addition to hourly rates ranging from $350 to $600 or more for prostitution services. Investigators suspect that the network may have catered to hundreds of customers over the years.

Revelations from last week's federal court hearing in California shed light on the reported circulation of millions of dollars through numerous businesses believed to be associated with James Lee. Allegedly, over $550,000 in COVID-19 relief funds was involved. The affidavit also mentioned the discovery of $22,000 in cash, condoms, lubricants, and other items connected to the prostitution operation during a search of Han Lee's apartment in Cambridge. Furthermore, extensive records, money order receipts, and utility bills were found in a Louis Vuitton shoe box.

The affidavit suggests that Han Lee likely accumulated substantial wealth from running the prostitution business, as evidenced by her possession of luxury items and the identification of two checking accounts with a combined total of around $965,000. The investigation also uncovered ledgers maintained by Han Lee, which cataloged daily activities at the brothels, including appointments, times, and earnings of the women involved.

Inside Junmyung Lee's residence, investigators seized $5,000 in cash, four ledgers, two computers, and six cell phones. The ledgers contained meticulously maintained records of the operation over an extended period. Despite Junmyung Lee identifying himself as a student with no apparent income on loan and lease applications, the investigation found deposits totaling $378,365 made to his personal checking account between December 2019 and September 2023, with disbursements amounting to $265,662 during the same period.

As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities continue to delve into the alleged high-end brothel network centered in Boston and its connections to multiple industries and individuals. The case highlights the extensive scale and complexity of the illicit activities involved, with implications reaching far beyond the confines of the local community.