Three arrested for alleged 'high-end brothel network' used by politicians, military officers, execs

Three people were arrested for allegedly operating a "high-end brothel network" in Virginia and Massachusetts that catered to politicians, military officers and high tech and pharmaceutical executives, the Justice Department said. 

The defendants allegedly persuaded and enticed primarily Asian women to travel to Virginia and Massachusetts for prostitution, the U.S. Attorney's Office of Massachusetts said Wednesday.

The defendants also allegedly rented high-end apartments to use as brothels, which cost as much as $3,664 a month, and advertised online by offering nude Asian models for photography with rates ranging between $350 an hour and $600 an hour, all paid in cash.

"Over the course of the investigation, a wide array of buyers were identified, including, but not limited to, politicians, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, scientists and  accountants," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. 

The defendants, who were charged with conspiracy to coerce and travel to engage in illicit sexual activity, include Han Lee, 41 of Cambridge, Mass.; James Lee, 68 of Torrance, Calif.; and Junmyung Lee, 30 of Dedham, Mass. If convicted, the men face up to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.

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