Crime & Safety

Police Crack Down on Alleged Prostitution Ring at Massage Parlor [Update]

La Rue Estetique Spa on Summer Street was searched Thursday afternoon after citizens complained about possible illegal activity.

After a six-week long investigation, the has busted an alleged prostitution ring operating out of an illegal massage parlor after receiving numerous citizens complaints. 

According Lt. Tim Shaw, the department's Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit executed a search and seizure warrant at La Rue Estetique Spa located at 2700 Summer Street Thursday afternoon.

Upon entering the building, officers observed a male and female engaging in sexual activity in a room on the second floor. In another room, officers observed a female wearing only a bra standing next to a male who was undressed and laying on a massage table.  A third female was found sitting at a desk with a computer. 

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During the search, officers seized the computer, a credit card data processor, an interior surveillance system with three cameras, numerous condoms concealed in cans with false bottoms, body oils and lotions, and cash. A 2003 Lexus model GX 470 was also seized from the location.

Officers called the ring's "madam" — Natalia Cataraso, 41, of Brooklyn, NY — to the location where she was arrested and charged with promoting prostitution in the second degree and operating a massage parlor without a license. In addition, Rano Rakhimova, 21,  Maryna Rogozhyna, 29, and Alla Gindin, 39, of Brooklyn, NY, were all arrested and charged with prostitution and operating a massage parlor without a license.

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Cataraso's bond is set at $25,000, while Gindin and Rakhimova were released on PTA. All three women are scheduled to appear in court on April 7. Rogozhyna was released to Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

A 68-year-old Greenwich man and 40-year-old Darien man were cited for patronizing a prostitute. They were both released on a PTA and are scheduled to appear in court on April 7.

[Editor's Note: This story was updated to include the addresses, bond details and scheduled court dates of those arrested and charged. The language describing violations also was updated to reflect more accurately what charges police brought.]


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