The name Vicky Goswami evokes images of 90s Bollywood glamour and the dark world of international drug trafficking. He once ran a global narcotics network and shaped a life filled with dramatic twists that rival any film script. From his early years in India to his high-profile relationship with actress Mamta Kulkarni, Goswami actively moved through power, peril, and intrigue. As a result, his story continues to captivate the media and true crime enthusiasts.
In this deep dive, we examine Vicky Goswami’s Wikipedia highlights, criminal record, and legal battles. Readers learn how the “Mandrax King” built international operations and triggered events that led to his extradition. Moreover, the narrative combines glamour, crime, and high-stakes drama in striking detail. Ultimately, it presents a story of ambition, downfall, and survival on a global stage.
Early Life: A Policeman’s Son with a Pilot’s Dream
Before he was the “Mandrax King,” Vijaygiri “Vicky” Goswami was just a young boy growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with a future that seemed destined for the straight and narrow. Interestingly, Vicky Goswami young was not a rebel by birth; he was the son of a well-respected police officer.
Growing up in a household governed by the law, few would have predicted his eventual rise to the top of the “Wanted” lists. His early ambitions were actually sky-high literally. Goswami harbored a fierce pilot’s dream and even pursued aviation studies. However, his failure to secure a career in the cockpit redirected his trajectory toward the shadows.
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Complete Profile: Vicky Goswami
Vicky Goswami, widely known as the “Mandrax King,” has led a life marked by high-profile criminal activities, multiple arrests across countries, and a dramatic legal journey. This profile summarizes his personal background, criminal record, key relationships, and current status as of 2026.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Vijaygiri “Vicky” Goswami |
| Origin | Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Father’s Occupation | Police Officer |
| Early Ambition | Professional Pilot |
| Current Age | Approx. 64–65 years (Born c. 1960–61) |
| Height | Approx. 5’7″ – 5’8″ (170–173 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black / Salt and Pepper (greyed over time) |
| Skin Colour / Tone | Wheatish / Fair (often described as having a polished look) |
| Early Life | Son of a police officer; failed pilot trainee from Ahmedabad |
| Core Moniker | The “Mandrax King” |
| Key Relationships | Mamta Kulkarni (partner for 20+ years; marriage denied) |
| Peak Net Worth | Estimated hundreds of millions (private jets, luxury real estate) |
| Major Crimes | Global Mandrax trafficking, ephedrine diversion, money laundering |
| Major Arrests | Dubai (1997), Kenya (2014), US extradition (2017) |
| Key Accomplice | The Akasha Brothers (Baktash & Ibrahim) |
| Turning Point | Turned US federal witness (DEA asset) in 2017 |
| Spiritual Turn | Converted to Islam in Dubai prison for clemency purposes |
| Current Status | Under US Witness Protection; living in an undisclosed location |
The Rise of an Empire: From Hooch Supplier to the ‘Mandrax King’
While his initial “training” involved illicit liquor in the dry state of Gujarat, Vicky Goswami quickly realized that the real money lay in synthetic narcotics. By the early 90s, he had transitioned from local bootlegging to the large-scale distribution of Methaqualone, famously known as Mandrax.
The Dubai Shift and the D-Company Connection
As Indian authorities intensified pressure, Goswami shifted his base to Dubai and expanded his criminal reach. In this phase, he earned the moniker “Mandrax King.” His operations extended far beyond local networks, as he actively built a trafficking pipeline that moved drugs from India through Africa and into the lucrative Middle Eastern markets.
During this period, no one operated in the Dubai underworld without securing the backing of the D-Company. Initially, Goswami collaborated closely with Dawood Ibrahim’s syndicate and exploited their powerful logistics network. However, loyalties rarely last in the underworld, and this alliance soon began to fracture.
The Fallout with Dawood Ibrahim
However, the relationship with the D-Company collapsed in 1993. At that time, a serious dispute over territory and profit-sharing triggered a violent split. Soon after, operatives linked to the D-Company allegedly attacked Goswami’s family home in Ahmedabad. As a result, Goswami realized he could no longer remain safe in Dubai under their influence.
Therefore, he searched for a new base and fled first to Zambia, then to South Africa. Eventually, Goswami settled in Johannesburg, where he embraced extreme luxury. According to reports, he owned a private jet and actively financed political movements to secure protection and influence.
Vicky Goswami Net Worth
While exact figures are buried in offshore accounts and “Benami” properties, intelligence agencies estimated Vicky Goswami’s net worth at his peak to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. He wasn’t just a dealer; he was a CEO of a shadow corporation that owned:
- Private Jets: Used for transporting “consignments” across African borders.
- Luxury Real Estate: Palatial homes in Dubai, Kenya, and South Africa.
- Manufacturing Units: He didn’t just sell; he set up his own clandestine labs to control the supply chain.
Despite his immense wealth, the law eventually caught up. In 1997, a joint operation by Dubai and South African police led to his arrest in Dubai with a massive haul of Mandrax. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, marking the end of his first “reign” but as we know, the story was far from over.
The Vicky Goswami and Mamta Kulkarni Saga: Relationship, Rumors, and the Clean Chit
In the mid-90s, Mamta Kulkarni was the “it-girl” of Bollywood, starring alongside the Khan trinity in blockbusters like Karan Arjun. Then, at the height of her fame, she vanished. The world later found her in the arms of Vicky Goswami, sparking decades of speculation and tabloid frenzy.
What is the relationship between Vicky Goswami and Mamta Kulkarni?
Mamta Kulkarni and Vicky Goswami’s relationship has long been misunderstood. For years, the media labeled them husband and wife, but the truth is more complex. While they were domestic partners for nearly two decades, living together in Dubai and Kenya, Mamta Kulkarni has recently cleared the air. Upon her emotional return to India, she clarified, “I love Vicky, but I never married him.” She revealed that while she stayed by his side during his 12-year prison stint in Dubai, her path eventually diverged. Mamta Kulkarni also stated that she has not been in touch with him since 2016 and considers the relationship a significant, yet closed, chapter of her past.
Why did Mamta Kulkarni quit Bollywood?
Mamta’s exit wasn’t just about a relationship; it was a spiritual “calling.” She famously stated that by 2012, all her worldly desires including the glitz of cinema had vanished. She credits her transformation to her guru, claiming she chose penance and tapasya (austerity) over the silver screen. In 2013, she even penned her spiritual journey in a book titled Autobiography of a Yogini.
Was Mamta Kulkarni a Kinnar?
This is a frequent search query based on a significant misunderstanding of her spiritual title. No, Mamta Kulkarni is not a “kinnar” (transgender). The rumor stems from a major event at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where she was appointed as a Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada.
- Her Spiritual Identity: She was given the name “Shree Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.”
- The Significance: Being a Mahamandaleshwar in this specific Akhada (a group of monks) is a position of high spiritual authority. She performed her own Pind Daan (a ritual signifying the end of worldly ties) to embrace this monastic life.
Where is Mamta Kulkarni now?
As of late 2025, Mamta Kulkarni is back in Mumbai after 25 years in exile. This homecoming was made possible after the Bombay High Court gave her a “clean chit” in the ephedrine case, quashing the FIR against her due to a lack of evidence. While Vicky Goswami remains a wanted man in India, Mamta is now a free woman, focused on her spiritual duties and her new life as a Sanyasin.
Spicy Fact: While Vicky Goswami was battling extradition, Mamta was reportedly living a life of extreme austerity, claiming to have renounced even onion and garlic for over a decade to focus on her meditation.
The ₹2,000 Crore Ephedrine Scandal and the Solapur Connection
In April 2016, a routine check on a Nigerian national in Kalyan by the Thane Police blew the lid off a massive international narcotics operation. This led investigators straight to Avon Lifesciences, a pharmaceutical factory located in Solapur, Maharashtra.
The Technical Pipeline: From Pharma to “Ice”
The scandal wasn’t about traditional drugs like Heroin; it was about Ephedrine. While Ephedrine is legally used in medicines for asthma and bronchitis, it is also a “precursor” the primary raw material needed to manufacture Methamphetamine (commonly known as Meth or “Ice”).
- The Heist: Investigators found that nearly 18.5 tonnes of Ephedrine were being diverted from the Solapur plant.
- The Refining: This raw powder was intended to be shipped to Kenya, where Vicky Goswami and a mysterious chemist known as “Dr. Abdullah” had plans to convert it into high-grade crystal meth.
- The Profit: Once processed, this shipment would have been worth an estimated ₹2,000 crore (roughly $300 million) on the international market, targeted at users in the US and Europe.
The Inner Circle: Manoj Jain and the Kenyan Meeting
Evidence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed that Manoj Jain, the director of Avon Lifesciences, was a close associate of Goswami.
Intelligence reports suggest a pivotal meeting took place at Hotel Bliss in Mombasa, Kenya, in January 2016. In attendance were Goswami, Manoj Jain, and several Kenyan associates. They were reportedly finalizing the logistics of setting up a meth lab in Mombasa to process the Solapur supply.
Key Players in the Solapur Bust:
| Name | Role | Current Legal Status |
| Vicky Goswami | Mastermind / Kingpin | Extradited to US; turned state witness |
| Manoj Jain | Director, Avon Lifesciences | Arrested by Thane Police |
| Mamta Kulkarni | Alleged Associate | Clean Chit (High Court, 2024) |
| Kishoresingh Rathod | Indian Kingpin (son of MLA) | Arrested in 2017 |
The Solapur factory was eventually shut down, and the assets were seized. This bust was a major victory for Indian law enforcement, as it crippled a pipeline that connected the Indian pharmaceutical industry to the dark web of African cartels.
The International Takedown: Kenya, the Akasha Brothers, and Extradition
By the early 2010s, Vicky Goswami had successfully rebranded himself in Kenya. Working alongside the notorious Akasha Brothers Baktash and Ibrahim he had built a narcotics corridor connecting the poppy fields of Afghanistan to the streets of the United States. However, they didn’t realize that the DEA (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration) had already set a trap.
The DEA Sting: Posing as Colombian Cartels
In 2014, undercover DEA agents posed as representatives of a South American drug cartel looking for a reliable supplier. Goswami and the Akashas took the bait. During several recorded meetings in Nairobi and Mombasa, the group negotiated the delivery of:
- 98 kilograms of high-grade heroin (referred to in code as “chickens”).
- 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The “White Crystal” heroin was promised at a bargain price of $10,000 per kilo, with Goswami personally managing the logistics and the chemical precursors needed for the meth.
The Midnight Capture in Mombasa
Despite their local influence reportedly spending over $4 million in bribes to Kenyan judges and police to stall extradition the law finally caught up. In a dramatic midnight operation in January 2017, Kenyan authorities and DEA agents raided their luxury villas.
The group was quickly bundled onto a private charter plane and flown directly to New York. This forced extradition was a turning point, as it bypassed years of legal delays in the Kenyan court system.
The Sentencing: Where are they now?
While Goswami’s path took a different turn (which we’ll explore in the next section), his partners faced the full weight of the U.S. justice system:
- Baktash Akasha: Sentenced to 25 years in federal prison in August 2019.
- Ibrahim Akasha: Sentenced to 23 years in January 2020.
- Muhammad Asif Hafeez (The Sultan): Extradited from the UK and sentenced in June 2025 to 16 years for his role in the conspiracy.
Spicy Fact: A day before his arrest, Goswami was reportedly involved in a violent shootout with the Akasha brothers’ rivals at a Mombasa golf course. The DEA used the chaos of this incident to finally close in on the syndicate.
Turning State Witness: Vicky Goswami’s Life as a U.S. Federal Asset
After his extradition from Kenya in 2017, Vicky Goswami faced a possible life sentence in the United States for his role in international drug trafficking. At that point, he made a strategic decision that changed his legal future. Instead of prolonging the case, Goswami entered a cooperation agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and took a new direction.
The Decision to “Sing”
Rather than defend himself alongside his associates, Goswami chose to become a state witness. In legal terms, experts often call this move “singing.” By cooperating, he pleaded guilty and offered full assistance to prosecutors. As a result, authorities classified him as a cooperating witness and a U.S. federal asset.
The Deal
Under the agreement, Goswami delivered detailed testimony against former partners. Most notably, he testified against the Akasha brothers and Pakistani businessman Muhammad Asif Hafeez, also known as “The Sultan.” Through this cooperation, prosecutors strengthened their cases significantly.
The Testimony
During the Fatico hearings in New York, Goswami revealed how the global drug trade operated. Specifically, he explained money laundering routes and chemical supply networks. Additionally, he described alleged connections to political figures across several African nations.
The Impact
Ultimately, Goswami’s testimony helped prosecutors secure long prison sentences for the Akasha brothers. At the same time, authorities dismantled one of East Africa’s most powerful drug syndicates. In the end, Goswami played a direct role in bringing down the empire he once helped build.
Why the U.S. Never Charged Him in the Final Indictment
One of the most telling signs of his status is that in subsequent superseding indictments, the U.S. government did not officially charge Goswami. This is a common practice for high-value informants. By keeping him as an “unindicted co-conspirator” or a witness, the federal government ensures his cooperation remains active for ongoing and future trials.
The “Asset” Status and the Indian Conflict
While Goswami has been praised by some U.S. officials for his cooperation, his status as a federal asset has created a legal stalemate with India.
- India’s Stand: The Thane Police and Indian central agencies still consider him a “wanted accused” in the ₹2,000 crore ephedrine case.
- The Protection: Because he is currently under the protection and supervision of U.S. federal authorities, he cannot be easily extradited to India. US authorities have frequently refused to discuss his exact location, citing that such information could “endanger the life of a witness.”
Spicy Fact: Kenyan lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who represented the Akashas, famously called Goswami an “opportunist” who “threw his friends under the bus” to secure his own freedom and a comfortable life under U.S. protection.
Where is Vicky Goswami Now? Current Status and Legal Standing
As of early 2026, the question of “Where is Vicky Goswami?” remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in the world of international crime. Unlike his former associates, the Akasha brothers, who are serving decades-long sentences in U.S. federal prisons, Goswami’s path has taken him into the shadows of the U.S. Federal Witness Protection Program.
Current Status: The Invisible Asset
Vicky Goswami is currently residing in the United States under the supervision of federal authorities. Because he turned state witness and provided critical testimony that dismantled several global drug networks, he is considered a high-value target for his former rivals.
- Legal Standing in the USA: While he pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, he has not been sentenced to a traditional prison term. Instead, he is living under a “cooperating agreement,” effectively trading his freedom for information.
- Security Measures: U.S. authorities have repeatedly refused to disclose his exact location or provide updates on his daily life, stating that any such information could “endanger the life of a witness.”
The short answer is simple: unlikely. In India, the Thane Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) still classify Vicky Goswami as a Proclaimed Offender in the ₹2,000 crore ephedrine case. Because of this, multiple legal and diplomatic barriers block his return.
First, Goswami benefits from what many describe as an “asset shield.” As a federal witness, he remains under U.S. protection. Therefore, American authorities show little willingness to extradite him to a country where his safety could face serious risks.
Second, the Mamta Kulkarni factor has altered the narrative but not the law. Although Indian courts cleared her in 2024 and allowed her return, Goswami’s situation remains unchanged. Meanwhile, Indian agencies continue to enforce active warrants against him.
Finally, Goswami’s cooperation agreement plays a decisive role. In most cases, such deals include strong non-extradition clauses. As long as he remains valuable to the U.S. Department of Justice, American authorities will likely block any request to send him back to India.
Legal Standing Summary (2026)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Action Taken |
| United States | Protected Witness | Cooperating with ongoing DOJ investigations |
| India | Wanted Fugitive | Non-bailable warrants active; properties attached |
| Kenya | Extradited | Declared Persona Non Grata (person not welcome) |
Key Insight: Rumors suggest that Goswami may have already been given a new identity and a modest stipend by the U.S. government to start a new life a far cry from the private jets and luxury mansions of his Johannesburg days.
Lesser-Known Facts: Luxury Jets, Secret Deals, and Spiritual Turns
Behind the criminal charges, the Vicky Goswami Wikipedia entry barely scratches the surface of his personal life. From the lavish streets of Johannesburg to the quiet cells of Dubai, his journey is filled with “truth is stranger than fiction” moments.
The Johannesburg “King” Lifestyle
Before his 1997 arrest, Vicky Goswami lived like a billionaire in South Africa. At the same time, he dominated the African Mandrax market and refused to stay in hiding. Instead, he embraced the role of a high-profile socialite and moved openly within elite circles.
Moreover, Goswami controlled his movements with extreme luxury. He owned and operated a private jet, which he regularly used to travel between Zambia, South Africa, and Mozambique. Through this mobility, he strengthened his grip on regional drug routes.
However, his rise also relied on fear. To maintain dominance, Goswami acted ruthlessly. In a U.S. court, he admitted to ordering the killing of a rival’s associate known as “Pinky.” According to testimony, attackers shot the victim 32 times to send a clear warning to the South African drug market.
The Religious Transformation: Islam and Clemency
One of the most debated “facts” about Vicky is his religious shift. While in a Dubai prison serving a life sentence, Goswami made a significant change:
- Conversion to Islam: He converted to Islam and adopted a more devout lifestyle.
- Reciting the Quran: By learning to recite large portions of the Quran and showing exemplary conduct, he managed to reduce his “life” sentence (usually 25 years in Dubai) to just 15 and a half years.
- The Marriage Deal: Reports suggest he married Mamta Kulkarni according to Islamic rites while still in prison (though Mamta has recently denied a legal marriage, she admits they were spiritually bonded during this time). This “rehabilitation” was a key factor in his 2012 release.
The Secret Deal with the DEA
While the world saw him as a fugitive, Goswami was secretly negotiating one of the biggest “deals” of his life.
- The “Sultan” Secrets: He didn’t just give up the Akasha brothers; he provided information on Muhammad Asif Hafeez (The Sultan), an international drug lord with ties to gold smuggling and money laundering.
- The Guptas Connection: Goswami’s secret grand jury testimony allegedly even touched upon the infamous Gupta family in South Africa, linking them to money laundering schemes a revelation that sent shockwaves through the African political landscape.
From Cartel Kingpin to Federal Shadow: The Final Act of Vicky Goswami
The life of Vicky Goswami unfolds as a sweeping saga that connects the glamour of 90s Bollywood with the ruthless world of international narcotics. From the beginning, he moved from life as a policeman’s son to becoming the feared “Mandrax King.” Along the way, sharp turns defined his rise and fall. Eventually, the ₹2,000 crore ephedrine scandal pushed his story to its peak and led to his dramatic extradition and cooperation with U.S. authorities.
Today, the contrast between the two central figures in this story appears striking. On one hand, Vicky Goswami lives under enforced anonymity in the United States. On the other, his former partner Mamta Kulkarni has returned to public life. After clearing legal hurdles, she embraced a spiritual path and emerged as a Mahamandaleshwar, leaving the shadows behind for the sacred rituals of the Kumbh Mela.
Ultimately, the Vicky Goswami story stands as a cautionary tale about power and its cost. In the end, he built a global empire only to watch the law dismantle it piece by piece. For now, questions about his return to India remain unresolved. Nevertheless, his legacy remains firmly etched in one of the world’s most complex criminal investigations.
FAQs
1. Who is Vicky Goswami?
Vicky Goswami (Vijaygiri Goswami) is a former international drug kingpin from Ahmedabad, India. Known as the “Mandrax King,” he led a global narcotics syndicate before becoming a key state witness for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
2. What is the relationship between Vicky Goswami and Mamta Kulkarni?
While long rumored to be married, Mamta Kulkarni clarified in late 2024 that she was in a long-term relationship with Goswami but never legally married him. She stated that she remained his partner during his 12-year Dubai prison term but has since moved on to a spiritual life.
3. Where is Vicky Goswami now in 2026?
As of 2026, Vicky Goswami is under the protection of the U.S. Federal Government. After turning state witness against the Akasha brothers, he was moved into witness protection to testify in ongoing narcotics and money laundering trials.
4. What is Vicky Goswami’s net worth?
At the height of his career in South Africa and Dubai, his net worth was estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, funded by his “Mandrax” empire. Today, his assets are largely seized or frozen, and he likely lives on a government stipend.
5. Why did Mamta Kulkarni quit Bollywood?
Mamta Kulkarni left the film industry in the early 2000s to pursue a spiritual path. She has authored a book, Autobiography of a Yogini, and claims she was “called” to a life of austerity and meditation under her guru’s guidance.
