Investigators have taken steps to press charges against 28 individuals allegedly involved in a sophisticated high-end brothel network operating in the Boston area. The illicit establishment, which was dismantled last month as a result of a federal investigation, reportedly catered to a clientele consisting of politicians, corporate executives, doctors, military officers, lawyers, professors, and scientists.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy revealed details about the case during its initial announcement, stating that the brothel ring facilitated the transportation of predominantly Asian women across the United States. Alleged customers were said to have paid a monthly membership fee on top of charges ranging from $350 to $600 per hour for prostitution services.

An application for complaints against the 28 accused customers was filed with the Cambridge District Court by a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer in collaboration with the Cambridge Police Department. However, the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, pending a probable cause determination by the court.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy clarified that if the court establishes probable cause and issues criminal charges, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office will be informed. Meanwhile, three suspects, who are believed to have operated the brothels out of a network of apartments in the Boston area and Virginia, are currently being held in custody pending their federal trials.

The alleged leader and organizer of the prostitution network, Han Lee, a 41-year-old resident of Cambridge, was identified in an affidavit. Investigators allege that Lee recruited women, managed the organization's website and business records, and oversaw the operation of the brothels in Massachusetts as well as during trips to Virginia.

According to Special Agent Zachary Mitlitsky's affidavit, Han Lee concealed over $1 million in proceeds from prostitution activities through purchasing structured money orders, depositing cash into known U.S. bank accounts, and engaging in various financial transactions.

The affidavit also revealed that searches of Han Lee's Cambridge apartment resulted in the discovery of $22,000 in cash, bulk quantities of condoms, boxes of lubricants, pregnancy test kits, ledgers, numerous cellphones, gift cards, electronics, and other items believed to be associated with the alleged prostitution business. The ledgers found documented daily operations at the brothels, including appointment dates, times, and earnings of the women involved.

Another defendant, Junmyung Lee, a 30-year-old resident of Dedham, admitted to investigators that he received monthly payments ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 from Han Lee for his role in the prostitution business. Investigators suspect that Junmyung Lee's responsibilities included communicating with clients, assisting sex workers, and managing the collection of proceeds from the apartments. It was also discovered that at least one apartment used in the operation was registered under his name.

Despite claiming to be a student with no income on his loan and lease applications, the investigation uncovered that Junmyung Lee made substantial deposits totaling $378,365 into his personal checking account between December 2019 and September 2023. Disbursements during the same period amounted to $265,662.

The third defendant in the case, 68-year-old James Lee, was apprehended in California and is currently being held in custody pending trial. Investigators allege that James Lee funneled millions of dollars through multiple associated businesses, including over $550,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.

In addition to filing applications for complaints against the alleged customers, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy confirmed that his office is working in collaboration with Virginia authorities to initiate the referral process for customers from that area.

Further developments in this case are anticipated as the legal proceedings progress.