Federal investigators have reportedly launched an investigation into a Korean-American owned high-end brothel in the United States that targeted politicians and professionals, amid suspicions that it might have been operating as a spy ring.
According to the UK Daily Mail, local prosecutors indicted three Korean Americans in November 2023 for allegedly running a sex trafficking organization across Virginia and Massachusetts.
Reports indicate that from July 2020 until recently, the prostitution ring recruited Asian women from South Korea and elsewhere, operating in Massachusetts, Virginia, and California to engage in prostitution, while accruing substantial profits.
Federal investigators have traced the money and discovered that the funds led directly to South Korea, arousing suspicions.
The brothel has been embroiled in growing controversy for allegedly targeting US politicians and professionals.
In particular, speculation has arisen that Hunter Biden, the second son of President Joe Biden, may have been among its clientele.
According to LA Magazine, a local California newspaper, “One of those men, sources tell Los Angeles, may have been Hunter Biden.” The Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment.
This situation has heightened concerns in the United States over potential compromises to national security.
Authorities are also probing whether the organization could be part of a South Korean spy operation aimed at major U.S. companies and elected officials. In response, U.S. federal authorities are delving into the foreign money transfers to South Korea and attempting to uncover the identities of those involved.
BY SINAE JUNG, JUNHAN PARK [jung.sinae@joongang.co.kr]
