Thoughts 05 Jul 2007 01:55 pm
Chinese Acrobats
Three Chinese men have been charged with human trafficking here in Las Vegas, according to FOXNews.com.
The arrests of You Zhi Li, 38, Yang Shen, 21, and Jun Hu, 43, this week came after one woman who worked as an interpreter for China Star Acrobats escaped late last month and contacted authorities, the FBI said.
The troop said that they were fed very little, had had their passports and visas confiscated by Li, and that they were told that any phone calls home would be monitored.
When the acrobats were not performing, they were forced to do chores for another Chinese man, who was identified as “Benny.” The acrobats cleaned or renovated homes and did lawn work, the complaint says.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bork, said Li owns a $320,000 home, has paid off a $170,000 home and has $110,000 in his business’ bank account. In addition, Li has $30,000 in his personal bank account and owns four vans worth approximately $25,000 apiece.
When you hear about human trafficking you tend to think in terms of prostitution, not circus acts.