The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
The Watertown Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Watertown Police Department, Zoning & Code Enforcement Team, Inspectional Services Division, and with assistance from the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation — Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted inspections of bodywork establishments in Watertown on July 22, 2026, resulting in closure of multiple businesses due to violations of the City’s rules and regulations.
These inspections were carried out in accordance with the City of Watertown’s rules and regulations governing bodywork with the goal of ensuring compliance to safeguard residents and businesses in Watertown, as well as protect against human trafficking.
This joint operation was conducted at four establishments, resulting in all locations being shut down. One of the locations, Thai Body Spa (12 Belmont St.), was shut down due to items of sexual nature present, no Certificate of Occupancy, and no bodywork permit. The other three locations were closed down for failing to acquire appropriate certifications, including a Certificate of Occupancy and/or bodywork permit.
None of these establishments will re-open until they meet the required rules and regulations of the agencies involved, and they will be subject to additional inspection and inquiry in the future to ensure full compliance with the City’s ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Bodywork regulations were adopted in Watertown in 2025 to create a more effective oversight mechanism of the preexisting massage therapy regulations established by the Commonwealth. These regulations ensure clearer licensing requirements, approved standards for operations, and ultimately eliminate unlawful practices that put employees and customers in harm’s way.
The Watertown Police Department and the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation — Human Trafficking Task Force were included to provide support and services to employees during the operation as part of their victim-centered approach.
The City of Watertown remains committed to protecting residents, visitors, and lawful business owners, and to safeguarding victims against the dangers of human trafficking. This collaborative group will continue to ensure compliance with the City’s regulations and maintain public health and safety for all.
More Information
The City of Watertown’s bodywork regulations were approved by the Watertown Board of Health on May 21, 2025, and made effective August 1, 2025.
FBI Human Trafficking Resource:
If you are a human trafficking victim or have information about a suspected trafficking crime, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.