A Boston resident and Chinese national, Qichen Yuan, 31, has been arrested on a federal charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child. Authorities allege that Yuan responded to an online advertisement posted by undercover law enforcement officers on August 16, 2025. The ad appeared on a website known for commercial sex activity and featured images and language suggesting the involvement of a minor.
Investigators say that during communications with an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old girl, Yuan was informed of the purported minor’s age. He allegedly replied, “I love you being young lol,” and agreed to pay $250 for sex after learning the age.
On August 19, 2025, Yuan arrived at a prearranged meeting location in Boston where he was met by law enforcement. Authorities report that he attempted to flee when approached by police but was apprehended immediately. A search revealed two condoms in his possession.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment, along with supervised release and fines. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings, of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit is prosecuting the case.”
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative started in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
Authorities remind the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
