For the past nine months, Attorney General John Formella has spearheaded an initiative to shut down illicit massage businesses in New Hampshire. Courtesy photo

CONCORD — The state Attorney General’s Office recently shuttered 15 more illicit massage businesses in eight communities including Merrimack, Londonderry and Hudson.

Working with The Network, a national anti-trafficking nonprofit organization, the Attorney General’s Office launched an initiative in November 2024 designed to “disrupt human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.” To date, 40 percent of these businesses have had their leases terminated through The Network’s Landlord Engagement Program.

The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the initiative is meant to rescue women who are being exploited and prosecute the suspected traffickers and sex buyers.

“These are not real spas, they are hubs of organized trafficking hiding in plain sight,” said Attorney General John Formella. “They profit from the abuse of vulnerable women and have no place in our state. If you are buying sex at these businesses, you are funding human trafficking. You are part of the problem and we will hold you accountable. If you are running one of these operations, know that our efforts will continue until every one of these businesses is shut down.”

Megan Chant, program director of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said the Attorney General’s Office has made a “significant step” to combat human trafficking; however, there is more to be done.

“Trafficking continues to impact individuals in all 10 counties across the state and we have a collective responsibility to do more to protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future harm,” she said.

The names of the businesses have not been released as the investigations remain ongoing. At this time, no arrests have been made.

Landlords who believe one of these businesses may be operating on their property are asked to contact the Anti-Trafficking Tipline at 603-271-9703.

The recent passage of HB 405 now makes it a Class B felony for “any person or business to knowingly permit a place under control to be used for prostitution.” Under state law, individuals convicted of a Class B felony face up to seven years in prison, up to five years of probation and a fine of up to $4,000. The maximum fine increases to $100,000 for a business.

HB 405 elevates the offense to a Class A felony if it involves a victim who is under the age of 18 or involves “the compulsion of another by force or intimidation.” Under state law, individuals convicted of a Class A felony face up to 15 years in prison. Like a Class B felony, offenders also face up to five years of probation and a fine of up to $4,000. The maximum fine increases to $100,000 for a business.

In addition, the legislation calls for a commission to study human trafficking in New Hampshire.

According to The Network, more than 15,500 illicit massage businesses are operating in the U.S. Based on that figure, 124,296 commercial sex transactions are made on a daily basis resulting in 86 sexual assaults every minute. Ninety-one percent of the employees are from China or Thailand and work up to 96 hours per week. The illicit massage industry generates an average of $5 billion per year and has grown 9.4 percent since 2019.