A Malden man was convicted on Friday of running a sex trafficking operation that spanned the Greater Boston area, utilizing local hotels and private residences to exploit women for commercial sex.
Eric Yuen, 58, was found guilty by a Middlesex County Superior Court jury following a two-week trial, according to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on three counts of sex trafficking, as well as one count each of deriving support from prostitution and money laundering. Prosecutors established that Yuen acted as the sole facilitator of the criminal enterprise, which operated between July 2021 and March 2022. During this period, he allegedly transported women residing in his home to various locations across the region to engage in commercial sex acts.
State officials launched the investigation after receiving a tip from the Cambridge Police Department, eventually involving the Department of Homeland Security. Investigators determined that Yuen managed the operation by posting advertisements for commercial sex services on platforms such as the website Skip the Games, where he would coordinate appointments with buyers.
Malden man found guilty in Greater Boston sex trafficking case https://t.co/25bE8a565W
Yuen Used Casino Transactions to Conceal Illicit Earnings
The trial revealed that Yuen maintained control over the proceeds of the operation, using the funds to cover rent, utilities, and transportation costs associated with the illicit business. Beyond the trafficking charges, the jury convicted Yuen of money laundering related to his use of the Encore Boston Harbor casino.
Evidence presented in court showed that Yuen utilized accounts and transactions at the casino to conceal the origin of his earnings. Financial records introduced during the proceedings detailed large cash deposits and frequent gambling transactions, which prosecutors described as a method for Yuen to cycle through the proceeds of his criminal activities before cashing out.
Following the delivery of the guilty verdicts on Friday, the presiding judge revoked Yuen’s bail, ordering him into custody. Sentencing for the defendant is currently scheduled for Nov. 17.
Resources for Victims of Human Trafficking
Individuals who believe they are being trafficked or who suspect someone they know is in danger are encouraged to reach out to the Massachusetts Anti-Trafficking Task Force.
The task force can be reached by phone at 617-420-6315 or via email at [email protected].
The legal proceedings will conclude on Nov. 17, when Yuen is expected to appear in Middlesex County Superior Court for sentencing. Further details regarding the case are expected to be addressed by the court at that time.
