Behind the “Loyalty Cards”: How an Innocent-Looking Tri-State Massage Empire Was Actually an Illicit Enterprise
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Edgewater NJ, A North Jersey husband and wife have admitted to running a massive, multi-state illicit network spanning nine different “spas” across New Jersey and New York. The scale of the operation—complete with customer loyalty rewards programs and over a million dollars in hidden cash—has sent shockwaves through local communities from Edgewater to New Rochelle.
The Millions Behind the Spas
Zhejun Piao (38) and Miyeon Choi (38), also known as “Maya,” both residents of Palisades Park, New Jersey, officially pleaded guilty in Trenton federal court before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi.
The couple admitted to conspiracy to commit interstate travel and use of mail facilities in aid of a racketeering enterprise.
According to federal court documents, Choi acted as the mastermind and leader of the enterprise, managing everything from online advertising to booking appointments and recruiting workers. Piao operated as the logistics manager, delivering groceries, mouthwash, medications, and condoms to the various storefronts while collecting the cash proceeds and daily ledgers.
When federal law enforcement raided the couple’s Palisades Park home, they uncovered a staggering scene: $1.2 million in cash, tens of thousands of condoms, and an assortment of luxury watches, jewelry, and high-end designer handbags—all of which have now been forfeited as part of their guilty pleas.
The 9 Tri-State Locations Involved
The illicit operation hidden behind legitimate storefronts ran seven days a week, from 8:00 AM until midnight. Workers typically lived on-site, with some performing services for up to 20 clients a day for fees ranging between $160 and $175. In a bizarre twist of corporate marketing, the parlors even issued customer loyalty cards, giving clients a free session after acquiring a certain number of stamps.
The complete list of targeted massage parlors includes:
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Coco Spa – Paterson, NJ
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Gold Spa & 785 Spa – Passaic, NJ
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365 Spa – Fairview, NJ
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Queen Spa & Hawaii Spa – Edgewater, NJ
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Good Day Spa – East Brunswick, NJ
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Spa Wellness – Toms River, NJ
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New Soothing Day Spa – New Rochelle, NY
Massive Law Enforcement Coalition
The takedown of the multi-town enterprise required massive coordination. U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service, and the New Jersey State Police with leading the investigation.
An extensive list of local agencies also assisted, including the Bergen and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Offices, alongside local police departments from Edgewater, Fairview, Paterson, East Brunswick, South Toms River, Edison, Westwood, Ridgefield Park, and Palisades Park.
What Happens Next?
Both defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is officially scheduled for October 6, 2026.
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Wait, what was the crime?
Jail.
A story with a happy ending.