SEATTLE (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a Korean nightclub in Federal Way was a front for prostitution and money laundering.
A grand jury this week indicted the owner of The Blue Moon in Federal Way along with seven other people. Investigators say the club recruited women from overseas to work as “bar girls” who would entertain male clients and set up further meetings for paid sex. The U.S. attorney’s office says the women had to use the money to repay their travel and living expenses.
Six of the defendants were arrested Thursday. They include Blue Moon owner Chang Young Kim, of Milton, and his wife, who is accused of serving as a former madam; Raymond Jung, of Federal Way, who is accusted of leasing apartments for the bar girls; and Jung San So of Seattle, the club’s manager.
Prosecutors say Kim also paid $15,000 in bribes to an undercover officer in an attempt to get advance word of any inspections as well as favorable treatment from immigration authorities.
