The CEO of a top wastewater treatment firm, Anurag Bajpayee, was arrested during a prostitution sting in early 2025 along with dozens of other men in the Boston area. They were accused of paying for sex at high-end brothels, with the women being predominantly Asian and exploited through sex trafficking. Gradient, Bajpayee’s company, defended him in a somewhat confusing manner, stating that they trust in the justice system and will continue to pursue excellence in technological innovation to ensure clean water for all society.
Previously celebrated for his leadership in water treatment technology, Bajpayee was included in court documents along with other men who lack the apparent support that Gradient placed behind him. One of the men, Cambridge City Councilor Paul Toner, also faced the same allegations and has faced calls to resign despite releasing an apology to his loved ones for causing pain. The list of men involved in the prostitution sting ranged from “rich and powerful” clientele, including high-level government contractors, professors, and others.
The men allegedly frequented a brothel ring based out of luxury apartments in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well as suburbs in Washington, D.C. The company Gradient has maintained its support for Bajpayee and its commitment to technological innovation, while also stating that they have confidence in the justice system to resolve the situation favorably. Despite the controversy, Gradient continues to strive towards their mission of ensuring clean water for all society.
Bajpayee and the other men involved in the prostitution sting were accused of paying hundreds of dollars per hour for sex and a “girlfriend experience” at the brothels, which were also allegedly involved in sex trafficking. The Wall Street Journal reported on the arrests and court documents that named the men involved. While some of the accused have faced backlash and calls for resignation, Gradient’s defense of Bajpayee has sparked debate about the company’s stance on the issue.
The involvement of high-profile individuals in the prostitution sting, including Bajpayee and Toner, has brought attention to the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable women. The brothels where the men were arrested offered memberships to their most frequent visitors, highlighting the extent of the operation. The controversies surrounding the arrests have raised questions about the role of elites in perpetuating illegal activities and the responsibility of companies to hold their executives accountable for their actions.
Overall, the situation involving the CEO of a wastewater treatment firm being arrested in a prostitution sting has brought to light issues of exploitation, sex trafficking, and corporate responsibility. While Gradient has chosen to defend their CEO, Anurag Bajpayee, in the face of the allegations, the controversy surrounding the arrests has raised important discussions about integrity and ethics in business leadership. The ongoing legal process will determine the outcomes for those involved, but the case serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of inappropriate behavior by public figures.
