Suspected San Mateo Brothel Bust Nets 1 Arrest

SAN MATEO, CA — A South Bay woman was arrested in connection with the operation of a suspected Peninsula brothel, San Mateo police said.

Liping Yao, 43 of San Jose, was arrested and cited on suspicion of prostitution and maintaining a brothel, police said.

Yao’s arrest culminated an investigation of the suspected brothel in the 100 block of De Anza Boulevard that began about a month ago, police said.

Undercover officers on two occasions visited the business seeking massages and were offered sexual services in exchange for money, police said.

Officers at around 2 p.m. Feb. 24 served a search warrant at the location after an undercover officer confirmed prostitution was occurring at the business, police said.

“During the investigation, SMPD determined the owner of the business, later identified as Liping Yao, negotiated sexual acts for money,” police said.

Officers found evidence of prostitution activity and municipal code violations during a search of the business, police said.

SMPD officers offered human trafficking resources to Yao and an employee who was on scene during the execution of the warrant, police said.

“The San Mateo Police Department is aware of the dangers and evils of human trafficking and remains committed to ensuring the safety of all our community members,” police said in a statement.

“The department continues to devote resources and time to assist the victims of human trafficking and to apprehend the criminals who prey upon those victims.

“Additionally, the department works with the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program to provide assistance to victims of human trafficking.”

For more information visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program.