Six people are facing rackeetering charges for operating what federal authorities say was a $4 million prostitution ring in the D.C. area, committing money laundering and using violence to run the business.
The six have run a prostitution business disguised as an escort service called Classy DC Escorts since June 2009, according to an indictment filed in federal court in Alexandria.
The indictment says they recruited prostitutes; screened clients; set up appointments in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and New York; and used fictitious companies to conceal their profits. Classy’s owner, 32-year-old Kuraye Akuiyibo, of Miami, also “used violence and threats of violence to maintain his position and authority and to manage and control the affairs of Classy,” the indictment says.
Also charged were: 27-year-old Otasowie Asuen, of the District; 30-year-old Alafaka Opuiyo, of Burtonsville; 32-year-old Nassim Tabatabai, of New York City; 30-year-old Jennifer Churchill, of Irvine, Calif; and 30-year-old Kiana McKelvin, of Arlington.
Charges in the 10-count indictment include money laundering, using a firearm during a violent crime and various racketeering offenses.
Phone numbers listed for Classy were not working Friday and the business did not respond to an email. Records indicate that attorneys will be appointed for the defendants, but no lawyers were listed for them in court filings.
Akuiyibo has allegedly been violent toward multiple people involved in the business.
In one instance, he threatened a former Classy prostitute at gunpoint in Bethesda in September 2009, according to the indictment. And in September 2010 he assaulted someone who picked up Classy prostitutes at airports and train stations, identified only as an unindicted co-conspirator, in the District at gunpoint, the indictment says.
Prosecutors want the ring members to forfeit the $4 million they made through running the prostitution service if they are convicted. Prosecutors are also seeking four vehicles bought with business proceeds.
In March, one member took out a $120,000 check from his credit union to buy a luxury vehicle, a 2009 Aston Martin. Bank records also show members of the ring making cash deposits of up to $9,900. They created bank accounts in the names of fake, credible-sounding businesses, the indictment says.
The indictment also describes how ring members tried to conceal their activities from law enforcement.
Prospective clients were asked to send a message from a work email account to show they weren’t police officers and women were told to use fake names in online ads.
