Police Uncover Las Vegas Brothel Operation After Wrong-Address SWAT Raid
Metro agrees to cover damages after innocent homeowner caught in human trafficking investigation
Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) has revealed new details in a human trafficking investigation that mistakenly led to a SWAT raid on the wrong home, leaving an innocent woman with thousands of dollars in property damage.
The incident took place on August 20 in the southwest valley, where Metro executed multiple search warrants connected to a months-long investigation into an alleged illegal brothel operation.
Mistaken identity leads to property damage
One of the homes raided had no involvement in the alleged crimes. Metro has since confirmed the current homeowner was not connected to the suspects. Public records showed that a previous owner, now under investigation, sold the home back in 2020. Despite the error, Metro has agreed to cover the costs of the damage, following public outcry and media attention.
Three arrested in brothel probe
The actual illegal activity was discovered at a different property near Hacienda Avenue and Tenaya Way, where detectives found clear evidence of a functioning brothel. According to the report, police began surveillance on the property in December 2024. Undercover officers responded to a digital advertisement for sexual services, which had been published in a Chinese-language newspaper.
The ad led officers to the residence, where they uncovered text threads detailing appointments, rates, and rotations of women, some between the ages of 18–30. Messages translated from Mandarin indicated services were offered starting at $300 per hour, with women reportedly flown in and out of Las Vegas every five days.
Suspects and connections
Two of the key suspects—Wei Wang and Ting Ting Wu—were reportedly living at the brothel location. Police say Wu arranged appointments and Wang earned up to $10,000 monthly by coordinating housing and transportation for the women involved.
A third suspect, Cheng Ping Hu, was linked through surveillance of Wang’s vehicle, which frequently visited DG Karaoke Lounge near Jones and Desert Inn. Police say Hu managed the lounge and also arranged sexual services for parties and hotel guests.
Larger concerns over trafficking in Las Vegas
The investigation has reignited concerns about sex trafficking in Las Vegas, a city known for its transient population and tourism-based economy.
“It’s easy for traffickers to move people in and out unnoticed,” said one local advocate. “That’s why operations like this are so hard to track—and why accountability is essential.”
All three suspects face multiple felony charges, including:
- Sex trafficking
- Pandering
- Living off the earnings of prostitution
- Operating or encouraging a brothel
The trio is scheduled for preliminary hearings on September 10.
Category: Local News
Subcategory: Crime & Safety
Date: 08/30/2025
