A former Virgin Voyages crew member has been charged in the United States after allegedly sexually assaulting female passengers while working aboard Brilliant Lady during an Alaska cruise.
Pranit Narayan Pawar, 26, an Indian national employed as a hairstylist on the adults-only cruise ship, is accused of using unauthorised “complimentary” massages as a way to isolate guests before allegedly assaulting them in a private room adjacent to the ship’s salon.
Federal prosecutors have charged Pawar with two counts of abusive sexual contact following an FBI investigation into incidents that allegedly took place during Brilliant Lady’s nine-night Alaska voyage, which departed Seattle on 23rd June 2026.
According to the criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Washington, the alleged offences occurred on or around 26th June while the ship was sailing in waters covered by US maritime jurisdiction. Prosecutors allege Pawar persuaded women who had booked hair appointments to accept free massages, despite massage services not being offered through his role or in the salon where he worked.
Investigators claim Pawar escorted women into a small, secluded room next to the salon before allegedly placing his hands underneath their clothing and touching intimate areas without their consent. In at least one of the alleged incidents, prosecutors say he locked the door before carrying out the assault.
One of the passengers was reportedly encouraged to make additional salon bookings after Pawar allegedly promised her a complimentary massage in return. Court documents state that what appeared in the booking system as a consultation was instead used to facilitate the private meeting.
The complaint also notes that legitimate massage treatments on Brilliant Lady are only provided in the ship’s Redemption Spa on Deck 5, not in the Dry Dock salon or the Stubble & Groom barbershop where Pawar worked.
FBI Investigation Continues
The FBI arrested Pawar after Brilliant Lady returned to Seattle on 2nd July 2026, with his first court appearance taking place in Tacoma on Monday, 6th July.
During interviews with FBI agents, Pawar reportedly admitted that providing massages was not part of his duties and acknowledged that neither the salon nor the onboard barbershop offers massage treatments.
According to investigators, Pawar also admitted taking between four and five women into the barbershop to provide massages, leading authorities to suggest additional charges could follow as the investigation progresses.
The complaint further alleges that Pawar described separate encounters involving other female guests during his FBI interview. While only two counts have been filed so far, court documents reference another alleged victim whose allegations were not included in the initial complaint.
If convicted on the current charges, Pawar faces a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment on each count.
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