Democrats request FBI probe into massage parlor founder

WASHINGTON — Top Democrats in Congress want the FBI to conduct criminal and counterintelligence probes into a business executive accused of using her personal access to President Donald Trump to facilitate business opportunities for Chinese executives — activities that came to light after a Florida massage parlor she founded was exposed as part of a sex-trafficking and prostitution ring.

Li “Cindy” Yang, a naturalized U.S. citizen from China, operates a company called GY U.S. Investments, which offered prospective clients a chance to rub elbows with Trump and other powerful politicians through dinners, fundraisers and other events — including at Mar-a-Lago.

Yang, a Republican donor, has made frequent visits to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club and attended Trump’s Super Bowl party this year, snapping a selfie of herself with the president during the event.

Yang founded a chain of Florida spas and massage parlors, including Orchids of Asia, the establishment in which Patriots owner Bob Kraft was accused of soliticing prostitution in a recent sting. Yang has not been personally charged in that investigation — and sold the day spa in question six years ago, her lawyer said — the episode has increased scrutiny of her other businesses, at least one of which congressional investigators worry could pose national security concerns.

The FBI declined to comment on whether they would open an investigation. Both the White House and Yang’s lawyer did not respond to reqestions for comment.