The route from Korea to a Denver massage parlor is an elaborate one, according to Fleecs. Women are allegedly brought illegally into the U.S. from Korea and other countries by "brokers," men who are members of the mob.

Once in the U.S., the brokers transfer the women's smuggling debts - ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 - to a massage parlor employer who holds their passports and other documents while the women live there and work seven days a week.

To go anywhere, the women are transported by "taxi drivers," also members of the mob, who act as liaisons between the brokers and the women who run the Asian massage parlors.

Officials from the FBI and the U.S. attorney's office in Denver said they could not comment, citing ongoing investigations. However, both agencies underscored their commitment to the issue.

"This is a top priority of the Department of Justice," said Jeff Dorschner, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office. "The department is working on training and sensitivity issues with law enforcement so they know what to look for and can immediately act."

Denver police and federal officials, including those with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, say there is a connection between a recent major enforcement operation on Asian massage parlors in Los Angeles and San Francisco and the investigation in Denver.

In the California case, a federal grand jury in June indicted 29 people on charges that included conspiracy to harbor illegal immigrants, sex trafficking, money- laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to transport female Korean nationals across state lines with the intent to engage in prostitution.

This is cache, read story here