San Antonio massage chain shut down over allegations it did more than rub people’s feet

Texas regulators closed down a chain of San Antonio massage parlors last month, alleging the businesses likely engaged in illicit sexual services and human trafficking, state officials said Monday.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on Jan. 21 closed all three of Ping’s Best Foot Massage’s San Antonio locations for six months, the agency said. The action followed an investigation that discovered the parlors were probably violating state law by selling sexual services, according to authorities.

TDLR began looking into Ping’s after receiving a complaint alleging that sexual activity was occurring at one of its locations, agency officials stated. Investigators also found consumer reviews on illicit websites in which Ping’s customers discussed receiving sexual services, according to the agency.

State authorities said they turned over the matter to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). During a November undercover operation, SAPD personnel found evidence that a Ping’s employee was unlicensed, residing onsite and that commercial sexual services were performed at the parlor, according to TDLR.

All three of the Ping’s locations are owned by Rudy E. Lopez and Huang Ping Lopez, according to the state agency.

It’s not the first time state authorities have closed down a San Antonio massage parlor over similar allegations. TLDR shuttered San Massage Spa in July after investigators said they found “numerous indicators” of human trafficking.

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This article appears in Jan 22 – Feb 4, 2025.