Batesville, Arkansas, August 16, 2025 – A raid on three massage parlors in Hot Springs has led to the arrest of Zengguang “Gary” Liu, a 42-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from China, on charges related to human trafficking, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced at a press conference on August 14, 2025. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking across the state, including in communities like Batesville in Independence County.
Liu, who lists a Corona, California address, was arrested in Oklahoma City on August 12, 2025, by police and U.S. Marshals. He faces two felony charges: human trafficking (Class A felony) and unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class B felony). Liu owned AI Massage, Magic Massage, and Diamond Massage in Hot Springs and likely operated similar establishments elsewhere in the country. During the July 28 raid, authorities seized about $16,000 in cash in multiple currencies, including American and Chinese.
The raid was part of Operation Obscured Vision, launched by Griffin’s office in January 2025, which has targeted massage parlors in Hot Springs, Harrison, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Rogers, and Russellville. Thirteen businesses have been searched, resulting in seven arrests, including six Chinese nationals, three of whom are naturalized U.S. citizens. Three Chinese women interviewed after the Hot Springs raid reported being recruited online from China for illicit massage work in other states before arriving in Arkansas.
Griffin described Liu as a “mid-level” operative in a “Chinese-focused effort” and “criminal enterprise” involved in sexual slavery, linking it to China’s “gray zone warfare” against the U.S., such as cyberattacks and fentanyl distribution. He called human traffickers “the lowest of the low” and noted that the information from this case could aid in pursuing more offenders. Griffin emphasized the need for expanded prison capacity under the Protect Arkansas Act of 2023 to ensure offenders like Liu serve full sentences.
Human trafficking prevention is a priority for Griffin, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and the Arkansas Legislature. Recent initiatives include the first statewide Human Trafficking Summit in October 2023, a working group proposing prevention tactics, and new laws in 2025: Act 484 requiring hotline postings in additional venues like nail salons and strip clubs; Act 366 adding enhanced sentences for recruiting traffickers; and Act 316 classifying trafficking and grooming as sex crimes.
The Arkansas Human Trafficking Council, created with a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Justice grant, collaborates with the Arkansas State Police and Department of Human Services. A new webpage launched in January 2025 offers county-level resources, including a searchable map for legal services and child advocacy centers.
Liu has waived extradition and will be transferred to Arkansas. For information or to report suspected trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council’s resources at dps.arkansas.gov.
