Unlicensed massage practitioner charged following VPD investigation

An unlicensed massage practitioner has been arrested and charged following a VPD investigation, after two women came forward with allegations they were sexually assaulted while receiving treatments last month.

VPD launched an investigation in February after the women, aged 34 and 44, reported being sexually assaulted while receiving treatments at two Happy Feet Massage locations in East Vancouver. Investigators worked with the owners, who were cooperative throughout the investigation, and arrested 46-year old Jun Dong Gao on February 10, 2022.

BC Prosecution Service has approved two counts of sexual assault against Gao, who is also known as James, or Jim. The alleged offences occurred on February 5 and 6, 2022.

Gao is free on bail, with court-imposed conditions that include he not practice massage, reflexology, acupuncture, or any other service that involves physically touching clients.