VBPD Conducts Human Trafficking and Vice Investigation Resulting in Multiple Arrests

The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) has concluded a months‑long investigation into suspected human trafficking and prostitution activity connected to several massage businesses operating in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth.

Detectives identified suspected illicit activity at businesses on Shore Drive and Virginia Beach Boulevard and uncovered evidence of individuals facilitating and profiting from commercial sex through multiple locations. Investigative leads, including tips from citizens and service members, helped officers determine that several women associated with these businesses were living at a residence in Virginia Beach. Surveillance over several months revealed individuals travelling between the residence and the massage businesses using multiple vehicles.

Based on the evidence, detectives obtained search warrants for the residence and four business locations. On September 24, coordinated teams from VBPD, Virginia State Police, and partnering agencies executed warrants at all five sites.

As a result, three individuals were arrested and charged with offences related to prostitution and maintaining a bawdy place:

• Xiaochung Peng (F/55) of Virginia Beach – Maintaining a Bawdy Place, Aiding Prostitution, Use of a Vehicle in the Commission of a Crime
• Xiaoqin Wu (F/58) of Virginia Beach – Maintaining a Bawdy Place, Aiding Prostitution, Use of a Vehicle in the Commission of a Crime
• Ping Zhang (F/53) of Virginia Beach – Maintaining a Bawdy Place, Aiding Prostitution, Use of a Vehicle in the Commission of a Crime

Seized during the operation:
• $55,085 in U.S. currency
• Four vehicles
• Multiple electronic devices, including phones, computers, and a security DVR system.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges, arrests, or asset‑forfeiture proceedings may follow pending continued review with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

This operation was supported by VBPD SWAT, Homeland Security Investigations, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Virginia State Police and SWAT, the Virginia Fusion Center, and members of the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force. VBPD remains committed to identifying traffickers, reducing the demand for commercial sex, and protecting those vulnerable to exploitation.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, confidential help is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888.

The charges listed are accusations; all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.