'Exploiting these women for a profit': Richmond city councillor wants crackdown on illegal massage parlours
CTV
In recent months, Richmond bylaw officers, accompanied by RCMP, have targeted massage studios for breaking various rules. One city councillor is calling for more enforcement, while sex worker advocates cry foul.
In recent months, Richmond bylaw officers, accompanied by RCMP, have targeted massage studios for breaking various rules.
CTV News confirmed at least two Richmond parlours have received hundreds of dollars in fines for bylaw violations, including operating with unexposed windows, employing workers who were not registered with the city and having workers operate wearing inappropriate attire, such as short skirts.
One city councillor is pushing the city and calling on the RCMP to increase enforcement.
"We understand that these women are being exploited by individuals and most of them are unsavoury characters that certainly operate these types of establishments," said Kash Heed, a Richmond city councillor and former police chief.
Heed did not single out any particular business, but says his experience in law enforcement leads him to believe many of the parlours not only offer illegal sexual services, but could also be tied to organized crime and sex trafficking.
"They're actually run by people who are exploiting these women for a profit," said Heed.
The two businesses CTV News reached out to denied any criminal wrongdoing.
