TDLR Shuts Down Massage Establishment in Fort Worth for Suspected Human Trafficking
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has issued a 12-month emergency closure order effective August 13, 2025, for a massage establishment for suspected human trafficking in Fort Worth.
Paradise Massage Center LLC and Byung Eui Son were ordered to halt operations at the establishment located at 3509 Williams Road in Fort Worth and they are prohibited from operating a different massage establishment at this location for the next 12 months.
During a recent inspection of the establishment, a TDLR inspector found several indicators of possible human trafficking, as well as an unlicensed massage therapist who was dressed in revealing clothing. The inspector found evidence that employees were living in the establishment. The establishment staff were unable to produce copies of any of the required client consultation documents or billing records for clients as required by statute. An online investigation also found that the location was advertising on illicit webs sites. In addition, law enforcement had recently found evidence of sexual activity occurring at the establishment.
Since late 2023, TDLR has issued 50 emergency orders relating to human trafficking, impacting 69 locations and resulting in the license revocation of 52 illicit massage establishments.
HB 3579, passed in the 88th Legislature Regular Session, went into effect Sept. 1, 2023. Under the legislation proposed by State Rep. Benjamin Bumgarner and State Sen. Phil King, TDLR’s executive director can issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR find evidence or indicators that human trafficking is occurring at the establishment.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities.
You can also file a complaint on a TDLR-regulated business that you suspect may be participating in human trafficking.