As stylists we are often skilled at reading body language and social situations from working with so many people daily. To date, plaintiffs have still not received the defendants responses to their discovery requests despite proper notification and plaintiffs' additional efforts to obtain their responses, nor have the aforementioned defendants requested additional time to respond, the motion states. EXO Industries is a brand of lifestyle services. Tatiana Jardan, a project development coordinator at the Human Trafficking Foundation, whose primary aim is to raise awareness of human trafficking and help shape policy, said that nail bars are used as centres for human trafficking because they are closed communities that present work opportunities to those mainly from Asia who want to move to the UK. It is suggested that in some budget and discount nail bars no background or training checks of the technicians are conducted. of warrants across the country as part of #Op_Rehoboam http://t.co/NKQ5fIWu2s pic.twitter.com/2Mz7vAPqcA. Disgusting!!!! Does the atmosphere seem off? Keeping both of you safe is a priority. !, Exo claims in its lawsuit that the statements published by the defendants were unequivocally false, unprivileged, and were defamatory . This is a very hands on part of how we are able to be involved in stopping Human Trafficking in our areas. This is a widespread problem with many avenues of involvement available in ending it. Rachel Harper, from the modern slavery charity Unseen, says they "see a lot of cases" in the. It is a truly special feeling to share this vision with friends, family and colleagues from a community that means so much to me., Local business owner to open EXO Lounge, Nail Bar. Mueller-Jones argues that if the statement is considered more than an opinion, then the plaintiffs have failed to prove that Wasser made a false statement. What Does the Human Rights Act Say About Hospital Negligence? Is climate change killing Australian wine? As a business, we have supported and donated more than $20,000 to the local community of Edwardsville. A lot of trafficking is about opportunity, and nail bars present one of the opportunities to bring people to the UK under the pretext of working, but at the end of the day exploiting them, Jardan said. It's time for spring fishing and they're definitely biting, Mother whose son donated organs reunites with recipient, Massive dust-storm crash shuts Interstate 55 for miles, Father McGivney's bullpen providing shutdown innings, Work on Glen Carbon's covered bridge roof will close road, 6 in Madison County charged with drug possession, 2 men charged with mob action in Madison County, Move by EPA boosts local ethanol industry, may reduce gas prices, Entrepreneurial students present products, services to the public. In the past several days, we have taken steps to understand what happened and how these allegations unfolded. Exo also claims that in addition to several now deleted statements on its Facebook page, Garrison wrote, Wonder why my comment about the drug smuggling, prostitution, and human trafficking was deleted?!?!?! Obermark allegedly replied to responses to her post, saying the plaintiff is suspected of engaging in sex trafficking, money laundering, and drugs. As four accused Dallas-area pimps are behind bars, a lawsuit filed by the city of Dallas shows what life is like for some victims of human sex trafficking. EXO Nail Bar is the first and only location in Edwardsville to fit each station with a ventilation system which will reduce the impact of harsh chemicals and fumes from nail polish. 2023 BBC. We are deeply saddened to see the misinformation and rumors spreading on social media.. Initially, trafficking of women and girls for forced sex work and, to a lesser extent, domestic servitude, were the sole focus of advocacy and assistance. Top 10 Edwardsville restaurants ranked: But do you agree? Empowering educators and parents can improve prevention of human trafficking. Add on SRM to any nail enhancement service + $25 Regular $37 | Gel $52 Gel Manicure Classic manicure + gel polish. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. The accusations claim that the FBI raided the lounge and found money laundering, human trafficking and prostitution happening there. Is the Death Penalty for Drugs a Breach of Human Rights? These malicious rumors are incredibly detrimental to our business and community. Feb. 27, 2015 5 AM PT. With the complexity of Human Trafficking, taking educational courses about human trafficking is important to help to identify and have a full understading of what human trafficking is. Read about our approach to external linking. The inside of an alleged brothel in Dallas shows a cramped counter with beauty products on hand. A stunning and beautiful design, befitting for the unique and enchanting experience we offer. Your email address will not be published. The suit states that Cathey published statements on Exos Facebook page accusing the plaintiff of being raided by the FBI and engaging in human sex trafficking. The City of Edwardsville has been so supportive and loyal and I love my local community, it makes perfect sense that this is where our flagship location will reside.. We want to assure you, none of these allegations are true, and EXO Lounge is not under investigation for any type of criminal or unscrupulous activity. I want the people of Edwardsville to enjoy the experience of being treated as if they are royalty, said Gamblin, as she continues to explain that some things need to be experienced before they can be appreciated. We can also confirm that our attorney has made personal contact with Federal law enforcement to confirm that there are not, nor have there ever been any investigations involving our organization. Budget nail bars have taken our high streets by storm. As a business, we have supported and donated more than $20,000 to the local community of Edwardsville. I ask you to please stop. The statements allegedly imputed that Exo committed crimes, imputed an inability to perform and a want of integrity in Exos discharge of its business operations and employment practices, prejudiced Exo and imputed a lack of the ability to conduct itself in a lawful or capable manner, and were obviously and naturally harmful to Exo that extrinsic facts concerning its damages may be presumed, the suit states. Exo alleges the defendants knew or should have known that their statements were false. Should you need further clarification or information about the situation, we encourage you to reach out to us personally. National Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, https://www.facebook.com/HairdressersAtHeart/. To further elaborate on EXO's charitable endeavors since its inception only 14 short months ago, and through the testy waters of COVID-19, EXO Lounge and Nail Bar has raised and donated over . If you feel that you have someone in your chair that may be a victim, the next steps are crucial. Today, there is recognition that women, children and men are trafficked into many different . Police swoop on properties including six nail bars in Berkshire, Yorkshire and London and find victims of human trafficking. Edwardsville Police Chief Jay Keeven maintained this week what he told an Intelligencer reporter last week when asked about these charges. At EXO Lounge, we are committed to high-standard business practices that have been our building blocks since the very beginning. EXO Nail Bar is the first and only location in Edwardsville to fit each station with a ventilation system which will reduce the impact of harsh chemicals and fumes from nail polish. Cocaine and fentanyl were among the drugs allegedly involved in some of six cases filed against An attack on a man that caused facial fractures led to allegations of aggravated battery and mob Fuel stations can sell gasoline blended with 15% ethanol during the summer under an emergency I wanted to have a business that Im truly passionate about and I want to help people but also 2023 Edwardsville Publishing Company, LLC. In 2016, more beauty and grooming salons opened in the UK than any other independent business. You can also text 233733 to get additional information to learn more about human trafficking. A display of EXO Nail Bar's extensive selection of polishes. Will be used in accordance with our terms of service & privacy policy. Contact the NHTRC at 1.888.3737.888. Three sentenced after police find human trafficking operation in UK nail bars. People who continue to make these posts are the reason that these rumors spread like wild fire (sic). Hot stones (4 pieces) will relieve aches and pains while delivering a delightful cooling and warming sensation . We have included a statement provided by Chief of Police, Jay Keevan. Lynn's Nails. Consumers must make sure that the price of cheap treatment is not exploitation, Trio who used trafficked girls to work in nail bars jailed under slavery laws, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. . 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As a result of the defendants alleged actions, Exo claims it sustained significant loss of revenue, damage to its standing and reputation in the community and has been unable to open additional locations or make improvements as planned. Ryann Watkins-Saul replied to Bakers post stating he is an event manager at EXO Lounge and that the claims are false. "At the request of EXO Lounge and Nail Bar ownership, we can confirm that there are no investigations of any kind involving EXO," Keeven said. The bust happened Wednesday inside a business claiming to be massage parlors in the 11300 block of Emerald Street in northwest Dallas, according to the Dallas Police Department. The post reads, in part: It has come to our attention that EXO Lounge Nail Bar is currently under public scrutiny regarding specific damaging allegations. ", Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 every weekday on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra - if you miss us you can listen back here, Fighter jets are roaring over my home in Sudan, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. The tragedy has led to calls for a crackdown on trafficking of Vietnamese into the so-called nail bar business. Anderson answered the complaint on July 20 through attorney Jarrod Beasley of Kuehn Beasley and Young PC in Belleville. Exo Lounge and Exo Nail Bar LLC filed the complaint June 18 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Jonas Cathey, Ashley Garrison, Stefanie Anderson, Michelle Lynn Baker, Rebecca Obermark, Amya Helms, Drake Wesser, also known as Drake Chandler, and Hannah Weinreich, alleging defamation. About the STOP APP. However, Keevan denied making the statement Exo claims he made. The vision is simple. Does the client avoid eye contact or stay unusually reserved? An Edwardsville nail salon is suing several individuals for accusing it of engaging in sex trafficking, money laundering and drugs in social media posts. The location is for anyone who wants to experience something new, fun and extraordinary. It is an offence to make people carry out acts against their will. Experience the energy of EXO Lounge. Does someone else accompany them, make decisions for them about the services they are receiving, and pay cash? It is the beginning of every conversation that EXO founder Gina Gamblin inevitably has with people asking her, Whats going on with that building? Due to launch in November, EXO is a cocktail lounge and nail bar in one building but there is nothing ordinary about it. EXO Industries is a brand of lifestyle services. All rights reserved. That's why spotting other signs - like those listed above - are important. These visits are part of the work of the south-wests Anti-Slavery Partnership. At the request of EXO Lounge and Nail Bar ownership, we can confirm that there are no investigations of any kind involving EXO, Keeven said. In addition, EXO Lounge has enhanced the local economy by being a destination attraction for many visitors. EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Fire Department and multiple other fire agencies battled a destructive blaze at the EXO Nail Bar, No. The most common age of entry into trafficking is 12-14. EXO alleges Helms made a Facebook post stating, I mean a lot of people did see the fbi there and said money laundering was going on which was true but the dude has a lot of money and owns 2 other salons that ik of in Edwardsville., Wasser allegedly made a post stating, As a former employee, I can confirm that on numerous occasions multiple other employees (including an owner) told us that there was money laundering going on. The building is divided into two sections which work in unison. EXO is love, ambiance, elegance, comfort, social, sexy, peaceful, unique, a destination. Acrylic Nail Bar. We empathize with those hurt, upset, and disturbed by the allegations. Mike Shannon, legendary Cardinals broadcaster, dead at 83, Pedestrian dies after running into path of Edwardsville man's car, New drive-in coming to Edwardsville, slated to open this summer. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, Trump mistrial request denied in NY rape lawsuit, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, US rock band Aerosmith announce farewell tour, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, DeSantis-backed board votes to countersue Disney. Thames Valley police executed the warrants at 17 premises in Berkshire, Yorkshire and London at about 10am on Tuesday. Cocaine and fentanyl were among the drugs allegedly involved in some of six cases filed against An attack on a man that caused facial fractures led to allegations of aggravated battery and mob Fuel stations can sell gasoline blended with 15% ethanol during the summer under an emergency I wanted to have a business that Im truly passionate about and I want to help people but also 2023 Edwardsville Publishing Company, LLC. Very often they dont speak English, so even if they are experiencing some exploitation theyre not able to talk about it. This is extremely distasteful and if you look on their other page, they make a joke out of it. Protected by Google ReCAPTCHA. The statements allegedly imputed that Exo committed crimes, imputed an inability to perform and a want of integrity in Exos discharge of its business operations and employment practices, prejudiced Exo and imputed a lack of the ability to conduct itself in a lawful or capable manner, and were obviously and naturally harmful to Exo that extrinsic facts concerning its damages may be presumed, the suit states. I am not one of those women, but my terrible nails are a good talking point when I go into nail bars to spot signs of slavery and exploitation. EXO Industries has been a project in the works for the past 24 months. We own our actions, and we have addressed them. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Ideal situations for traffickers would be larger and busier salons and beauty schools which are easy to get in and out of without drawing too much attention to them. 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We know youve heard some interesting stories about EXO lately, and we do want to confirm that a unicorn was found on site, knowledge was exchanged, and we are now pleased to offer our very own Unicorn Frappe! The suit states that the defendants' false, unprivileged, and defamatory statements were made with actual malice, or were made with such reckless disregard for the falsity of the statements, such that plaintiffs are entitled to punitive damage to deter others from similar conduct.". The first of its kind in combining; community empowerment, big data management and anti-trafficking expertise to disrupt, combat and prevent the global issues of human trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation. They were under investigation for sex Trafficking of the women (customers) and later on following them, stalking, then making their move.. On its website, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology says: Human trafficking is a problem in the beauty industry, especially in seemingly legitimate nail bars and other businesses that are in reality being used as fronts for brothels., It urges the industry to take action against the crime, not only for the poor women who are already suffering under the hands of traffickers, but also the up-and-coming trained therapists who could find themselves falling victim to this situation., More than 150 officers executed the warrants at 3 nail bars and 3 addresses in Reading #Op_rehoboam pic.twitter.com/7APObyc49P. The Newsletter Bringing the Legal System to Light. The lounge is currently open for business. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. No detail was left unfinished. 3m. Nail salons illegally using victims of modern slavery are often cheaper for customers, the charity says. Does the client have any branding that visible? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. We plead that you refrain from resharing or posting these rumors. Any and all damage alleged was caused or enhanced by plaintiffs in that any and all posts were capable of being removed from their page and they failed to remove the allegedly offending content, the answer states. Rachel Harper, from the modern slavery charity Unseen, says they "see a lot of cases" in the nail salon industry. Edwardsville, EXO Nail Bar is a highly respected and well-known nail salon that has built a reputation for providing exceptional nail care services in a friendly and relaxing environment.. It is an offence to force people, by threats or coercion, to work unpaid or to pay off a debt. We agree, in similar circumstances, if we were fully aware of the situation and the severity of the allegations, we can see how this could be considered insensitive and distasteful. To those who have supported us, we would like to say thank you as we navigate this difficult situation, and we trust that we may count on your help and support in stopping the spread of these terrible and impactful allegations.. 80 $ Inexpensive Nail Salons. Truth is coming out!! Ruben Vives. Five members of a human trafficking gang which laundered 4m through student bank accounts and nail bars have been sentenced. Rachel Harper from Unseen also says "being a responsible customer is key. Get a 42-inch oscillating fan for 15% off with this deal. We empathize with those hurt, upset and disturbed by the allegations. nail bar. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on our exclusive and limited membership deals. The post was made shareable and was shared at least 251 times. June 22, 2022. Since 2017, more than 550 Vietnamese nationals have been identified as potential victims of human trafficking in the UK, with a high proportion of these being forced to work long hours in nail salons for little or no money. In addition to spas and other beauty related businesses being the #1 location for both sex and labor trafficking in the US, traffickers also use our industry during the grooming phase. Active cyber smear campaign targets EXO Lounge, says founder. (Human trafficking and modern day slavery are also hugely prevalent in cheap hand car washes. The traffickers targeting these victims could be a significant other or family member which makes identifying a potential victim difficult. It said that some were victims of what appears to be a human-trafficking network. Other stories about the lounge closing last Friday claim the FBI and local police stormed the club when it was really closed due to an unexpected technical issue. The current estimate is that there are 40 million slaves worldwide and it is often unclear what practical steps an individual can take to avoid using slave labour in pursuing our beauty regimes. This is a carousel. British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. The lawsuit was filed through attorneys Russell Watters and John Cunningham of Brown & James PC in Belleville. Do not put yourself or the victim in danger by drawing attention to the victim or by confronting the trafficker. Jay R. Jordan writes about how we get around Houston, among other topics like the environment and hot takes on complimentary bread. A NAIL bar was raided by police and immigration officers and a person was arrested as part of a crackdown on alleged human trafficking in York. It's time for spring fishing and they're definitely biting, Mother whose son donated organs reunites with recipient, Massive dust-storm crash shuts Interstate 55 for miles, Father McGivney's bullpen providing shutdown innings, Work on Glen Carbon's covered bridge roof will close road, 6 in Madison County charged with drug possession, 2 men charged with mob action in Madison County, Move by EPA boosts local ethanol industry, may reduce gas prices, Entrepreneurial students present products, services to the public. Officers raid a nail bar in a photo posted on Twitter by Thames Valley police. Regulation and licencing of nail bars is largely voluntary and, outside of a few London boroughs, this lack of regulation allows exploitative practices to continue. We want to assure you, none of these allegations are true and EXO Lounge is not under investigation for any type of criminal or unscrupulous activity. Menu. You can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 which will put you in contact with with support advocates who will talk you through your current situation. Not only have these accusations severely impacted our business, but it has impacted our staff on both a personal and professional basis. Wasser also joins defendant Rebecca Obermarks previously filed motion, adopting her arguments for dismissal. A middle-aged Houston mom, two of her adult children and a nephew have been accused of sex trafficking crimes in which waitresses working at a bar were forced to perform sex acts on customers. Partners from law enforcement, statutory agencies and the voluntary sector come together to investigate businesses in which slavery and exploitation may be occurring. Despite being new companies dealing with the wrath of a global COVID-19 pandemic, plaintiffs prospered into two of the most successful businesses of their kind in not only Edwardsville, Illinois, but the entire Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri region and beyond, the suit states. There's a warning that workers in your local nail bar could be victims of human trafficking. The plaintiffs also filed a motion for default judgment on Sept. 14. Human trafficking Human trafficking has received increasing global attention over the past decade. If you think you have seen nail bars which may be exploiting victims of modern slavery, call the police. Near Me. It alleges that some of these illegal migrants are victims of "what appears to be a human-trafficking network" and that they are sometimes forced to work as prostitutes as well as manicurists.. we will massage your legs and feet with our signature CBD Pain Relief Cream exclusively designed for EXO NAIL BAR. It is not known which nail bars were involved in the operation. From exquisite night life experiences, to elegant, 2019 EXO BRANDS. Do they allow their manager to speak for them when addressed directly? The arrests and raid came after a months-long investigation by DPD's Vice Unit. 9 talking about this. Kate Garbers is managing director of the anti-slavery organisation Unseen, Discount salons are booming in the UK and fuelling a rise in slave labour. Haley Garber @beautybyhaleygarberis a member of the MODERN SALON Artist Connective, a stylist in Ohio specializing in special occasion styling, bridal, updos and creative color. He has reported that the rumors have no basis and that they were the product of an active cyber smear campaign. Ryann Watkins-Saul replied to Bakers post stating he is an event manager at EXO Lounge and that the claims are false. We can also confirm that our attorney has made personal contact with federal law enforcement to confirm that there are not, nor have there ever been any investigations involving our organization. Enjoy! Protected by Google ReCAPTCHA. The moment our officers entered an address in #Reading #Rdg as part of #Op_Rehoboam pic.twitter.com/nQIYg8edGT. The . Exo grew from a small start-up business and was known as being respectable, virtuous, enjoyable, and prosperous businesses within the local business community and the general public.. EXO alleges Helms made a Facebook post stating, I mean a lot of people did see the fbi there and said money laundering was going on which was true but the dude has a lot of money and owns 2 other salons that ik of in Edwardsville., Wasser allegedly made a post stating, As a former employee, I can confirm that on numerous occasions multiple other employees (including an owner) told us that there was money laundering going on. There have been very few successful prosecutions of nail-bar owners. Is their appearance unkempt and neglected? Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message. Otherwise, says Rachel, victims of human trafficking will remain "invisible to the person who doesn't know what to look for.". I ask you to please stop. Despite its success, the plaintiff claims it has suffered damages after several individuals spread rumors that it was being investigated by the FBI for sex trafficking, money laundering and drugs. In addition, you can find even more information about how human trafficking and cosmetology connect in both sex and labor trafficking by going to the Hairdressers at Heart Facebook or Instagram page. She demands strict proof that the statements were defamatory. To find training in your area and more information such as myths and facts, statistics and more, go to w ww.polarisproject.org or www.humantraffickignhotline.org. Despite its success, the plaintiff claims it has suffered damages after several individuals spread rumors that it was being investigated by the FBI for sex trafficking, money laundering and drugs. ashley nicole bustos, a license or certificate is required to perform quizlet, bank of jamaica 100 dollar bill worth,