By Park Si-soo
Police have recently raided a massage parlor in Yeouido, Seoul, home to the National Assembly and major financial firms, to secure thousands of credit card receipts, scaring customers suspected of paying for sex there.
Investigators from Yeongdeungpo Police Station said Wednesday that they raided the massage parlor last month and confiscated nearly 4,500 credit card receipts.
The shop proved to be one of many massage parlors illegally selling sex. Police believe some politicians, their aides and businessmen are among customers frequenting the business.
The massage parlor is located in the basement of a building just across the street from the parliament building. Its nominal owner and employees were booked for questioning, with police hunting for the actual owner.
“Twenty private rooms were found and guests bought sex for 160,000-180,000 won ($148-166),” said an investigator familiar with the case. “An investigation is underway to identify credit card users. The work has yet to be done, but we have already found the use of corporate cards issued for companies in Yeouido.”
The investigator refused to provide detailed information about confirmed users due to privacy concerns.
He also refused to say whether any lawmakers or parliament staff members are involved.
Police plan to summon visitors for questioning. “The use of the credit card there doesn’t necessary mean its holder bought sex. We will deal with the case cautiously,” the investigator said.