In September of 2011, the Bellevue Police vice division received information from the Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that a number of regional massage practitioner's licenses had been obtained fraudulently.

As a result of an investigation begun by state health and HSI, numerous individuals were identified as having submitted suspected counterfeit Chinese school and licensing credentials while filling out the health department's Practitioner Licensing Applications. These investigations have shown that the individuals suspected of committing these acts were unable to receive the listed massage training in China during the times listed on the applications. 

Department of Health and HSI requested assistance from Bellevue Police Department in completing these investigations. On May 24, 2012, Bellevue Police officers conducted a check of several massage parlors in the city of Bellevue. As a result of this check, 10 individuals were arrested and an additional three individuals were cited. To date, 20 individuals have been arrested by Bellevue Police as a result of this investigation. HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided Mandarin translators during the arrests.

Bellevue Police will continue to investigate further claims of massage license fraud and is committed to eliminating all unlicensed massage practices here in Bellevue. The Bellevue community has already noticed and responded with appreciation and supports our efforts.

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