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.
Because the alleged offences took place aboard a cruise ship operating within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.
The FBI has also reminded cruise passengers to report any suspected crimes immediately to onboard security staff while still at sea, or directly to law enforcement after leaving the ship.
Virgin Voyages Policies Prohibit Such Conduct
Virgin Voyages has not issued a public statement regarding the charges.
However, the cruise line’s guest code of conduct makes clear that allegations of criminal behaviour are reported to the relevant authorities and addressed immediately onboard.
“Any criminal acts or allegations of such acts, including but not limited to the following, will be addressed on board through de-escalation or acting to end the apparent criminal act, and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency,” the code of conduct reads.
The policy specifically lists sexual misconduct and unwanted physical contact among prohibited behaviour. It also states that crew members must not engage in physical relationships with guests or interact with passengers beyond their professional responsibilities.
Although authorities have not confirmed exactly when Pawar was removed from duty, the timeline outlined in court documents suggests he was detained or otherwise separated from passengers before the ship arrived back in Seattle.
Brilliant Lady has continued operating its inaugural Alaska programme without disruption and remains scheduled to sail a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.
As with all criminal complaints, the charges against Pawar remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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