Anurag Bajpayee, the Indian-origin CEO of clean water startup Gradiant, has been arrested in the United States for allegedly paying for services at high-end brothels. According to a report by the New York Post, Bajpayee was among dozens of individuals named in court documents in the Boston area, accused of paying hundreds of dollars per hour for sex work earlier in 2025.
Prosecutors allege that Bajpayee was part of an elite client list that included doctors, lawyers, public officials, and government contractors. The investigation revealed that men allegedly paid up to $600 per hour for encounters with predominantly Asian women, who were reportedly victims of sex trafficking.
Who is Anurag Bajpayee?
Anurag Bajpayee is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, Bajpayee has transformed Gradiant from a technology start-up into a major player in sustainable industrial water solutions. Bajpayee’s vision and technical expertise continue to drive innovation in addressing critical global water challenges.
His professional journey includes research roles at MIT and the University of Missouri, while his academic background spans from La Martiniere College in Lucknow to advanced degrees from MIT. His groundbreaking work in water treatment has earned him international recognition and numerous patents globally.
Gradiant stands by CEO amid legal proceedings
In response to the incident, the company faced internal pressure, including calls for Bajpayee’s resignation. However, Gradiant issued a statement defending its CEO, saying: ” We believe in the justice system and are confident that this will resolve favourably in due course.”
“Unrelated to this, Gradiant will continue to pursue excellence in technological innovation and to strive towards our mission to ensure clean water for all society,” it added.
High-profile individuals involved in brothel network, says prosecutors
Also named in the documents is Paul Toner, a Cambridge City Councilor and married public official. Like Bajpayee, Toner faced backlash and calls to resign. While he remains in office, he issued a public apology, stating: “I caused pain for the people I care about most,’ he said. ‘For that, I will be forever sorry. This is an ongoing legal matter, and I will not have further comment at this time.”
The case is ongoing, with authorities continuing to investigate the alleged trafficking and involvement of high-profile individuals.
