(SHUTTERSTOCK)

VANCOUVER - A Surrey acupuncturist has been fined more than $20,000 and had his practice suspended for allegedly running a brothel at his clinic.

At an Oct. 26 hearing, the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia found John Hong Hou Zhang guilty of professional misconduct.

Two male customers testified at the disciplinary hearing they had paid for sexual services at Hua Xia Traditional Chinese Medicine on King George Boulevard. Zhang managed the clinic since August 2010, according to college registrar Mary Watterson.

A Surrey bylaw officer also testified about her suspicions a bawdy house was being run at the clinic. Surrey RCMP assisted in the surveillance that showed two rooms set up as living accommodation, three cases of unopened condoms, condom wrappers, signage referring to pornographic activities and women in short, lingerie-like dress.

The college initially suspended Zhang in January 2011, shortly after allegations were made. His suspension has been extended to January 2014 and he has been ordered to pay a $21,545 fine. If he resumes practice following his suspension, he’ll be required to co-operate with and pay for audits of his practice and premises as directed by the college.

It’s unclear whether any criminal charges have been laid.