Dragon Phoenix Massage, a Solihull-based massage parlour, has been ordered to close following serious allegations of human trafficking and the exploitation of women for illegal sex work.
Over the past year, the establishment on Hatchford Road gained notoriety among local residents, prompting multiple visits from West Midlands Police. Officers consistently found women working illegally at the premises.
During one alarming incident, a customer contacted police after a woman at the parlour discreetly whispered “help,” seeking assistance. Another reported episode involved witnesses seeing a half-naked man forcibly ejected by two women, one dressed in a maid’s outfit, causing a public disturbance near a school excursion.
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Carl Aldo Tirrito, 49, the manager and director of the business, has vehemently denied the claims, dismissing them as a “witch hunt.”
On November 26, Birmingham Magistrates' Court granted a police application for a three-month closure order, legally barring the parlour from operating during that period. The court was informed that Mr. Tirrito plans to relocate the business out of the area.
Police legal representative J Ockenden stated, “The closure order is sought due to concerns the premises is involved in sex work and the trafficking and exploitation of women residing and working there. These proceedings are civil and do not apportion guilt.”
Testimonies revealed troubling details. On July 21, police discovered two Chinese women living at the parlour without passports and amid pending asylum claims; one showed visible bruises. Officers also seized black bags containing tissues with dried semen. Similar conditions were observed during later visits on October 2 and November 8.
In the most distressing visit, a woman asked a client to discreetly call police, whispering that she needed help. Police found two women appearing nervous and unkempt; one claimed she had been smuggled into the UK and had no valid work permissions, while the other revealed she was working to repay a debt in China.
Despite repeated police interventions and numerous intelligence reports dating back to December, Mr. Tirrito insists no illegal activity occurred and attributes police scrutiny to negative customer reviews. Customer testimonials on review sites described the parlour as a “w*** shop” and a source of “entertainment” for patrons of a nearby pub.
An anonymous resident recounted an incident involving a topless man being thrown out by women, including one in a maid’s uniform, causing public disturbance in front of school children.
Legal counsel Mazar Iqbal confirmed Mr. Tirrito did not attend the hearing and chose not to contest the closure order. He defended his client, citing a flood of anonymous complaints driven by local opposition to the business. Mr. Tirrito intends to sever ties with the location and cease operations there.
No arrests have been made to date, but police maintain the closure is necessary given the serious concerns. Mr. Tirrito has been allowed access to the premises to collect personal items on a specified date.