Sakura Sushi owner, managers arrested for human trafficking

🚫 Last week’s sudden and unexplained closures of three popular Sakura Sushi locations in the East Valley raised plenty of questions. Now, federal court documents provide disturbing answers.

The owner of Sakura Sushi and two managers have been arrested on federal charges alleging they operated a human trafficking and labor exploitation operation.

Authorities say the restaurants involved include Sakura Sushi locations in Gilbert, Mesa, and Ahwatukee, along with sibling Akita Sushi in Scottsdale.

Court filings allege that owner Yung Lau, along with two managers – including his brother – harbored dozens of undocumented immigrants in multiple “stash houses” and forced them to work seven days a week.

The accused are scheduled to appear Dec. 30 in federal court.