Iowa Massage Therapist Surrenders License Amid Money Laundering, Sex Charges

Junping Ren accused of using massage parlors to launder $2.6 million, employ women for sex acts

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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An Iowa woman accused of using two illicit massage parlors to launder $2.6 million in cash has agreed to surrender her state massage therapy license. Junping Ren, 56, and her business partner Zhenshi Liu, 60, were arrested in September 2025 for allegedly employing numerous women to perform sex acts for clients at their Iowa City massage parlors, the Paradise Spa and Paradise Spa II. Prosecutors say Ren illegally laundered the massage parlor revenue and purchased properties and vehicles with the proceeds.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and illicit activities occurring at some massage parlors, as well as the challenges authorities face in cracking down on these operations. The surrender of Ren's license is a step towards accountability, but the broader problem of massage parlor-related crimes persists in many communities.

The details

According to prosecutors, Ren and Liu required their employees to work over 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, while performing sex acts on clients. Ren is accused of laundering $2.6 million in cash through the massage parlors, mixing deposits to avoid reporting requirements. She and her co-conspirators also allegedly laundered money by purchasing two residential properties and vehicles. Ren's 33-year-old son, Yang Liu, is accused of assisting in laundering $1.5 million. Ren faces charges including money laundering, prostitution, and witness tampering.

  • In September 2025, Iowa City police arrested Junping Ren and Zhenshi Liu.
  • On Dec. 8, 2025, Ren was criminally charged with tampering with a witness.
  • On Dec. 7, 2025, Ren allegedly approached the victim's wife at his church.
  • Last month, the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy accepted Ren's agreement to surrender her license.

The players

Junping Ren

A 56-year-old Iowa woman accused of using two illicit massage parlors to launder $2.6 million in cash and employ women to perform sex acts for clients.

Zhenshi Liu

A 60-year-old business partner of Ren who co-operated the two Iowa City massage parlors, the Paradise Spa and Paradise Spa II.

Yang Liu

Ren's 33-year-old son who is accused of assisting in laundering $1.5 million through his personal accounts.

Iowa Board of Massage Therapy

The state regulatory body that accepted Ren's agreement to surrender her massage therapy license.

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What they’re saying

“When the police ask you, you have to protect me... You can say you don't know anything they ask you.”

— Junping Ren

“I think you are pretty attractive and if you have an interest in doing things outside of the massage studio that I cannot do in the building because I am working, you can text me. But if you aren't interested, then ignore what I just said, and I am a professional.”

— Laurence Walker, Massage Therapist

What’s next

A trial for Ren and her co-defendants is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger regulation and oversight of the massage therapy industry to prevent human trafficking and other illicit activities from occurring at some establishments. It also highlights the challenges authorities face in cracking down on these operations and holding perpetrators accountable.