Federal prosecutors have announced the arrest of three individuals linked to a "high-end brothel network" that allegedly operated out of apartments in Greater Boston and Virginia. The operation is said to have attracted a clientele consisting of politicians, military officers, doctors, lawyers, as well as tech and pharmaceutical executives.

Acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, Joshua Levy, revealed during a press conference on Wednesday that the commercial sex ring thrived on secrecy and exclusivity, serving a wealthy and well-connected client base. However, the illicit business was brought down with the recent arrests.

Han "Hana" Lee, 41, of Cambridge; Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham; and James Lee, 68, of Torrance, California, have been charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice individuals to engage in illegal sexual activity. Han Lee and Junmyung Lee appeared remotely in federal court and have been ordered held pending a detention hearing. James Lee will appear in court in Boston at a later date.

The operation relied on two websites, bostontopten10.com and browneyesgirlsva.blog, which allegedly masqueraded as platforms advertising nude models for professional photography. An affidavit sealed in court on Wednesday stated that the websites facilitated the movement of predominantly Asian women across the United States for sex trafficking and commercial sex work.

Prospective clients were reportedly directed to respond to a survey and provide personal information such as their driver's license, employer details, and credit card information. They were also required to pay a monthly fee to gain access to the services provided by the brothel network.

According to acting U.S. Attorney Levy, clients would receive a text message with a menu detailing various services and available women. Rates ranged from $240 for a 30-minute "girlfriend experience" to $840 for 120 minutes of unprotected sex.

The alleged brothel network operated primarily online, in contrast to the typical depiction of street-based prostitution. This made it easier for clients to discreetly engage in illegal activities without drawing attention.

The commercial sex ring is believed to have operated since at least July 2020, with multiple brothels located in Cambridge and Watertown, Massachusetts, as well as in Fairfax and Tysons, Virginia. The investigation has identified several alleged customers through surveillance, phone records, and interviews, indicating that there may be hundreds of buyers involved.

While the names of the buyers have not been disclosed, and they have not been charged at this point, Levy emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Multiple search warrants are being executed in Massachusetts, California, and Virginia as part of the ongoing effort to dismantle the operation.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy stated, "No one is above the law. Doesn't matter where you live, doesn't matter what your job is, how much money you have, engaging in commercial sex rings... is illegal." If convicted, the three individuals arrested could face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The arrests and charges against the alleged perpetrators serve as a stark reminder that illicit activities, regardless of one's status or wealth, will not go unpunished. The prosecution's focus on bringing justice to those involved in the commercial sex ring signifies a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the victims who were exploited in the process.