Six business license applications were denied, and one applicant withdrew a request to open.
Marysville police say a wide-ranging investigation identified 23 suspected illicit massage businesses in the city, leading authorities to close businesses, deny licenses and stop attempts to reopen under new names or at new locations.
Police said 21 of the businesses were confirmed as illicit. Eight were closed through criminal investigations, five through administrative inspections, and one closed on its own. Six business license applications were denied, and one applicant withdrew a request to open.
Several people were arrested on charges including promoting prostitution and permitting prostitution, according to the Marysville Police Department. Police did not disclose the number of arrests or identify those taken into custody.
The investigation began in May 2025 after police received information from The Network, a nonprofit organization that works to combat human trafficking in illicit massage businesses. The information indicated that businesses in Marysville were connected to a larger regional network.
Police said interviews with victims linked some of the businesses to a broader international trafficking network. The department’s ProAct Team conducted undercover operations, served search warrants, performed public safety inspections and reviewed the city’s licensing procedures.
According to The Network, Marysville police became the first law enforcement agency in Snohomish County to adopt an enforcement strategy targeting the broader structure of illicit massage businesses, including their licensing and operations.
“Human trafficking networks rely on storefronts that blend into the community,” Police Chief Erik Scairpon said. “By improving our licensing oversight and coordinating closely with regional partners, we were able to shut down illicit massage businesses and stop attempts to reopen.”
Crime and Intelligence Analyst Emily Dorscher said investigators focused on licensing because it was one element the city could control.
“This industry doesn’t exist by accident,” Dorscher said. “As a local agency, we had to find something we could control, and it was through our licensing process.”
After receiving specialized training at an out-of-state conference, members of the ProAct Team hosted a regional training event in December 2025. Participants included The Network, the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office, a licensed massage therapist and Marysville police staff.
The training was intended to help neighboring agencies recognize patterns associated with illicit massage businesses and use consistent investigative strategies.
Mayor Jon Nehring said concerns raised by residents helped prompt the investigation.
“Their voices mattered, and our Police Department responded with urgency, professionalism, and a clear commitment to protecting the people of Marysville,” Nehring said.
The city said it will continue using criminal investigations, inspections and licensing procedures to prevent illicit businesses from operating or reopening and to connect trafficking victims with support services.
