Surat: The Surat police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) recently busted an illegal pornographic distribution racket where 8 people were arrested for producing and distributing adult films online.
As enforcement agencies intensify crackdowns in Mumbai — long regarded as the heart of India’s entertainment industry — parts of this underground trade are quietly shifting to Surat. Lower costs, fewer regulatory checks, and easy access to digital infrastructure are contributing to the city’s new and unexpected role in this illicit business.
A Shift from Mumbai to Surat
The trend came to light following an arrest by the Mumbai Crime Branch, where an accused revealed that porn film operations are migrating to smaller cities like Surat. Industry insiders confirm that entire adult films are being shot in privately rented bungalows on Surat’s outskirts, with models often flown in from Mumbai or Delhi.
Unlike traditional distribution methods, these films are produced exclusively for OTT platforms. Many new mobile apps are being developed specifically to stream adult content, often imitating legitimate streaming services to evade detection.
When Startups Turn to Crime
A major breakthrough came recently when Surat’s Special Operations Group (SOG) raided two companies operating from the Adajan area: Just Visionary Entertainment and Four Pirates Ventures LLP. Ostensibly perfume businesses, both firms were allegedly fronts for a high-tech pornography distribution racket.
According to investigators, these companies downloaded high-definition pornographic videos from international porn sites. The videos were then rebranded with fake studio names and uploaded to Jellyfin, an open-source media server. Access was granted to customers via private links and password protection.
The Business Model: Subscriptions and Digital Payments
The suspects offered subscription-based access to these films, with packages ranging from ₹699 per month to ₹4,999 per year. Promotions were circulated through WhatsApp and Instagram, often using alluring phrases.
Payments were collected digitally through UPI, and deposited into fraudulent bank accounts registered under fictitious identities.
Each film reportedly cost around ₹2 lakh to produce. Once completed, they were sold to OTT platform owners at double the price. Transactions were predominantly digital — with 50% paid in advance and the remainder settled after video delivery.
Crackdown and Seizures
The operation led to the arrest of 8 Surat based individuals, and police seized approximately ₹11.9 lakh worth of equipment, including smartphones, laptops, CPUs, debit cards, and forged documentation.
Officials say the case is a textbook example of how tech-driven entrepreneurship can spiral into criminality.
Arrested Accused
- Mo. Irfan Mustak Ansari (Muglisara, Surat) (Technical Chief Coordinator, Wasabi and Jellyfin Server Operator)
- Vineshkumar Sureshbhai Patel (Hazira, Surat) (Package Marketing and Social Media Handler)
- Punjan Kamleshbhai Patel (Originally from Ahmedabad, native of Adajan) (Phone Chat and Payment Collection Handler)
- Mayurkumar Bahadursinh Parmar (Originally from Bharuch, native of Rander) (User Login and Password Generator)
- Jaimin Sureshbhai Dobariya (Originally from Amreli, native of Adajan) (Upload and Management on Jellyfin Server)
- Swetul Sureshbhai Dobariya (Originally from Amreli, native of Adajan) (Designing and WhatsApp Broadcast)
- Harsh aka Kano Rameshbhai Patel (Originally from Kutch, native of Pal) (Fake Bank Account Operator)
- Milan Chaturbhai Gondliya (Originally from Khambhaliya, native of A.K. Road, Surat) (Total Package Setting and Partner in Jellyfin Link Distribution)
