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HOUSTON - On Sept. 30, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a six-month emergency closure order for Khamo Foot Massage in Houston, citing suspicions of human trafficking.
Inspectors discovered employees living inside the 24-hour establishment, along with luggage, lingerie, and a stocked kitchen. None of the workers held massage therapy licenses, and the business was promoted on illicit massage websites advertising sexual services.
In early September, Houston police arrested an employee for prostitution.
The closure was made under House Bill 3579, which allows the TDLR to immediately halt operations at businesses where trafficking is suspected. This marks the eleventh emergency shutdown since the law went into effect in September 2023.
Suspected human trafficking can be reported to the National Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting HELP or INFO to 233733. Emergencies should be reported to 911. Complaints against TDLR-regulated businesses can also be filed.
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