Inside Boston’s elite brothel scandal: Indian-origin CEO among clients, 'girlfriend experience', hidden cams

The brothel network operated from luxury apartments outside Boston (Credits: WSJ)

Hidden within a chic high-rise condo in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just steps from Harvard University, an exclusive brothel thrived in secrecy. Promising "unmatched city views," the luxurious apartment initially gave the impression of sophistication and status.

But behind the opulent lighting and elegant decor, a different world unfolded, designed to cater to a select, high-profile clientele—carefully vetted before entry reports The Wall Street Journal.

To avail the facilities clients paid up to $600 an hour for intimate encounters in upscale apartments. The service promised a "girlfriend experience," offering a more personalized and luxurious atmosphere for those seeking discretion and indulgence.

Prosecutors say the brothel was carefully crafted to cater to wealthy, influential men from elite circles — including medicine, biotech, law, business, and politics.

The operation discreetly ran out of upscale apartments in Cambridge and Watertown, Massachusetts, as well as Tysons and Fairfax, Virginia, offering an air of exclusivity and secrecy, according to an Associated Press report.

“They chose these locations because they were trying to attract rich and powerful men who wanted to buy sex,” said Leah Foley, U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts told WSJ.

Influential names, 'Girlfriend experience'

Thirteen men accused of involved in the scandal to keep their identities sealed, with their attorneys arguing in Massachusetts' highest court that public exposure would lead to significant personal and reputational harm.

Despite their concerns, the state’s Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the proceedings must remain open to the public.

Jonathan Lanfear, 56, the CEO of biotech company HiberCell, is among those accused of being a client of the upscale brothel, according to authorities. Investigators say they uncovered his driver’s license, credit card, a selfie, and a former Takeda Pharmaceuticals work ID on a phone linked to the operation.

Police allege Lanfear arranged multiple encounters—at least ten—through the service, including one on June 27, 2023, when he inquired via text about a woman named Wren. The brothel responded that Wren was available, but emphasized: “Only GFE Services, No BB Services!!” referring to the “Girlfriend Experience,” which prosecutors described as more intimate, and the refusal of unprotected sex.

Lanfear was reportedly set to pay $340 an hour for the encounter.

However, as he exited the building—unaware that surveillance cameras had been installed in the hallway—detectives intercepted him. When questioned, he claimed he was there to visit a friend. His lawyer contends that there is no clear evidence showing a transaction took place or that Lanfear knew the location was a brothel.

Anurag Bajpayee, the Indian-origin CEO of water tech giant Gradiant, was named in a high-profile prostitution sting after losing a legal bid to keep his identity private. Born in Lucknow and an MIT graduate, Bajpayee is credited with turning Gradiant into a billion-dollar company.

Once celebrated for groundbreaking innovations in clean tech, he's now accused of repeatedly paying for sex at the elite brothel at the center of the case. Gradiant has publicly stood by him amid the allegations.

Han Lee: Madam behind the empire

Han Lee, 42, who played a central role in the high-end prostitution ring, was sentenced to four years in prison this March after admitting guilt to charges of conspiracy to promote prostitution and money laundering.

Once a sex worker herself, Lee meticulously managed the operation—screening clients for safety and steering clear of law enforcement, according to her attorney.

She permitted the women involved to decline clients or specific services and reportedly kept under half of their earnings. The court has ordered her to surrender $5.5 million in illicit proceeds.

Former detectives told The Wall Street Journal they were surprised by the brothel’s elite nature—particularly how many well-educated professionals willingly shared private, identifiable information to gain access.