Three people were apprehended following a police undercover investigation into a human trafficking enterprise in San Jose running out of a motel and involving motel staffers, according to officials.
According to a press release, the San Jose Police Department’s human trafficking task force, in collaboration with Santa Clara County’s human trafficking unit, conducted a months-long investigation into alleged trafficking at the Caravelle Inn & Suites on North First Street and East Rosemary Street in North San Jose. The inquiry began when the Police Department received many tips regarding the alleged activity.
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According to police, the inquiry revealed that an elaborate sex trafficking enterprise was being run from the Caravelle Inn by motel employees. The two-star hotel is classified as a motel in internet travel guides.
“During the investigation, we discovered that the illegal operation involved multiple hotel staff and housed multiple survivors who were staying there for an extended period of time,” said Police Department spokesman Stacie Shih at a press briefing on Tuesday.
On October 1, authorities entered Caravelle Inn and arrested three people identified by police as being responsible for the operation: 62-year-old Cong Tien Nguyen, 45-year-old Qi Hong, and 50-year-old Rizaldy Mariano, all of whom live in San Jose. Police claimed Nguyen and Mariano work at the motel. All three were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on accusations of pimping, pandering, and conspiracy.
Police also charged and released two individuals for soliciting. The authorities also reported that six survivors were found at the motel and supplied with services. During the search, investigators discovered around $30,000 in cash. The investigation is underway.
Shih stated that the department is focusing on a projected increase in human trafficking in preparation for Super Bowl 60, which will be held in the Bay Area in February and played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, as well as FIFA World Cup events in the summer of 2026.
“With these events on the horizon, the months approaching, we will continue making sure that we utilize these proactive enforcement approaches, such as undercover operations, to target these illegal sex trafficking operations and hold these traffickers responsible,” Shih said
“As multiple major sporting events quickly approach next year, I want to make it loud and clear that these illegal operations have no place in our city,” said Police Chief Paul Joseph in a prepared statement. “We will stop at nothing to shut them down and protect our most vulnerable community members.”
The department advised anybody with knowledge on such efforts to contact the Human Trafficking Task Force at (408) 537-1999 or [email protected].
