Norwich Man Charged in Rhode Island Prostitution Bust

Larry Chow, 65, was one of five people arrested in a multi-agency investigation into a Providence massage parlor.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:30pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of cash bills lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the money laundering aspect of this crime.A recent police raid on a Rhode Island massage parlor uncovered a web of prostitution and money laundering crimes.Norwich Today

A 65-year-old Norwich man named Larry Chow was one of five individuals charged with a range of prostitution and money laundering crimes related to the Smilers Day Spa, a family-owned massage parlor in Providence, Rhode Island. The arrests came after a months-long investigation by state and federal authorities that uncovered evidence of commercial sexual activity and suspected human trafficking at the spa.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating prostitution and human trafficking, particularly at businesses that may outwardly appear legitimate. The arrests also raise questions about the role of local residents in facilitating these illicit operations and the need for stronger regulations and oversight of the massage parlor industry.

The details

Investigators conducted undercover operations and surveillance at the Smilers Day Spa, finding that only men consistently frequented the parlor and that online reviews indicated sexual acts were offered for money. Police also discovered that the women suspected of engaging in sex work were living on the leased property full-time. In addition to Chow, four other individuals were arrested, including the spa's owners.

  • The investigation began in October 2025 after state police received a tip about commercial sexual activity at the spa.
  • The spa had been closed and raided in the past, most recently in 2019, for prostitution and suspected human trafficking.

The players

Larry Chow

A 65-year-old man from Norwich, Connecticut who was charged with a host of prostitution and money laundering crimes related to the Smilers Day Spa in Providence, Rhode Island.

Naja Ho

A 70-year-old woman from Lincoln, Rhode Island who was also arrested as part of the investigation.

Monica Chow

A 33-year-old woman from Lincoln, Rhode Island who was also arrested as part of the investigation.

Yong Kim

A 67-year-old man from Flushing, New York who was also arrested as part of the investigation.

Haiyue Cui

A 30-year-old woman from Lincoln, Rhode Island who was also arrested as part of the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The arrests were the result of an investigation that began in October 2025 after state police received a confidential tip that commercial sexual activity was occurring at the family-owned and operated parlor.”

— Rhode Island State Police

What’s next

The suspects are scheduled to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the charges against them. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be possible.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating prostitution and human trafficking, particularly at businesses that may outwardly appear legitimate. It also raises questions about the role of local residents in facilitating these illicit operations and the need for stronger regulations and oversight of the massage parlor industry.