Long-term human trafficking investigation results in five search warrants, arrest warrants issued

WENATCHEE - The Columbia River Drug Task Force (CRDTF) reports a long-term human trafficking investigation that has resulted in the service of five search warrants at various locations across the state. In 2022, CRDTF detectives were made aware of two local massage parlors which were a front for prostitution. Over the course of the investigation, two suspects were identified as a part of this human trafficking organization and warrants were issued for their arrest. The charges include: leading organized crime, promoting prostitution, and money laundering. These individuals have been identified as 60-year-old Linhui Yan and 43-year-old Yan Yang out of Tacoma.

On March 1, CRDTF detectives led a joint operation involving the Chelan County Sheriffs Office, Douglas County Sheriffs Office, Wenatchee Police Department, East Wenatchee Police Department, Pierce County Sheriffs Department, Kennewick Police Department, South Sound Gang Task Force,Department of Corrections, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security.

Search warrants were served at the following locations: 400 block of North Mission Street in Wenatchee, 300 block of North Chelan Avenue in Wenatchee, 6200 block of Clearwater in Kennewick, 3600 block of Tyler Street in Tacoma, and 2000 block of 1022nd Street in Tacoma.

This is an ongoing investigation, additional details will be released when available.

Chelan County Sheriffs Office Chief Ryan Moody, Commander of the Columbia River Drug TaskForce at 509-667-6337.