Crime & Safety
Greenville County, SC Trafficking Probe Leads to 4 Arrests
Greenville County, SC – Four people have been arrested and seven alleged victims identified following a months long human trafficking investigation that led deputies to search six massage parlors acro
By Erin Vale · 2026-09-30T19:56:51.194Z
Greenville County, SC – Four people have been arrested and seven alleged victims identified following a months long human trafficking investigation that led deputies to search six massage parlors across Greenville County.
According to the Greenville County Sheriff ’s Office, the investigation began in early 2026 after authorities received information about potential human trafficking activity in the county.
Investigators executed search warrants Sept. 23 at six businesses in Simpsonville, Taylors and Greenville. The locations included 1209 N. East Main St. in Simpsonville, 3058 Wade Hampton Blvd. in Taylors, 30 Rushmore Drive in Greenville, 128 Sedgebrook Drive in Simpsonville, 413 Raleighwood Lane in Simpsonville and 1941 Woodruff Road in Greenville.
The sheriff’s office said investigators identified seven people as alleged victims of human trafficking. Authorities allege the victims were performing sex work in exchange for money or living accommodations.
Four people accused by investigators of orchestrating the operation were arrested: Honglian He, 55; Maoyi Zhang, 51; Lianying Cai, 51; and Xiugin Cai, 51.
Authorities said charges connected to the investigation include human trafficking, money laundering and prostitution. The sheriff’s office announcement did not specify which individual faces each charge.
The investigation involved assistance from the Mauldin Police Department , Simpsonville Police Department, Department of Homeland Security and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said participating agencies helped identify and assist the alleged victims while investigators continued pursuing the case.
The charges and accusations remain allegations, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.