The CEO of a leading clean water technology firm is under scrutiny following his arrest in a high-profile prostitution investigation — and while many public figures caught in the same sting are facing backlash, his company has taken a notably different stance.
Anurag Bajpayee, CEO of wastewater treatment startup Gradiant, was among dozens of men arrested in early 2025 as part of a prostitution crackdown across the Boston area. Prosecutors allege the men paid hundreds of dollars for sexual services marketed as part of a “girlfriend experience.” Many of the women involved were reportedly victims of sex trafficking, according to court filings reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
Despite the troubling nature of the allegations, Gradiant has expressed continued support for Bajpayee, emphasizing both faith in the legal process and a somewhat disconnected commitment to its broader corporate mission.
“We believe in the justice system and are confident that this will resolve favorably in due course,” the company told The Journal. “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.”
The company’s response has been described as oddly clinical, with critics noting a lack of clarity or firm moral stance amid the controversy.
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Bajpayee, once hailed as a visionary in the clean-tech sector, had previously been recognized by Scientific American for developing one of the “Top 10 World-Changing Ideas.” His arrest marks a significant fall from grace.
Meanwhile, other individuals named in the case — including elected officials — are facing significantly more public pressure. Cambridge City Councilor Paul Toner, who is married, has come under fire following his inclusion in the court documents. Unlike Bajpayee, Toner quickly issued a personal apology and has been met with calls to resign.
“I caused pain for the people I care about most,” Toner said in a brief statement. “For that, I will be forever sorry.”
The investigation has exposed a high-end sex trafficking operation, which prosecutors say operated out of six upscale apartment units in Cambridge, Watertown, and suburbs surrounding Washington, D.C. The network allegedly catered to wealthy and powerful clients, some of whom reportedly held senior positions in academia, government contracting, and other elite circles.
According to officials, the operation even offered premium monthly memberships for frequent clients.
While legal proceedings are still ongoing, the fallout has varied sharply between those named. For now, Bajpayee remains at the helm of Gradiant — a decision that continues to raise eyebrows as the company navigates a reputational crisis.
