Yue Zhou, a Chinese spa worker living in New York, pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn federal court to charges of offering cryptocurrency, cash, and sexual favors in an alleged plot to kill her lover's wife and daughter [ce48174a]. Prosecutors claim that Zhou used a scam website on the dark web to arrange the murders [ce48174a]. The website was later revealed to be fake, and Zhou became suspicious after making a $5,000 payment [ce48174a]. Zhou also threatened the website administrator and stalked her potential victims [ce48174a]. It is unclear if Zhou's lover knew about the plot, and it is unknown if the website administrator will face charges [ce48174a].
If convicted, Zhou faces 10 to 12 years in prison and deportation [ce48174a]. At the time of the alleged offenses, Zhou was living in New York City illegally [ce48174a]. The text messages related to the plot were sent from Zhou's phone in Cheyenne, Wyoming [ce48174a]. Zhou has worked at multiple spas connected to illicit sex work, including one in Cheyenne that was raided for prostitution-related offenses [ce48174a].
The case of Yue Zhou, the Chinese spa worker accused of a murder-for-hire plot, highlights the use of the dark web and scam websites in arranging criminal activities [ce48174a]. The alleged plot involved the offering of cryptocurrency, cash, and sexual favors [ce48174a]. This case raises concerns about the need for increased vigilance and regulation to prevent the use of the dark web for illegal activities and to protect potential victims [ce48174a]. It also underscores the importance of addressing the issue of illicit sex work and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals involved in the industry [ce48174a].