Vicky Goswami is an alleged international drug trafficker from Ahmedabad, India, who began as a bootlegger before expanding into large-scale narcotics operations in Asia and Africa. He became widely known for his links to Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni and was extradited to the U.S. in 2017, where he remains in custody as of 2025.
Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vijaygiri “Vicky” Goswami |
| Birth | Cooperation with the U.S. |
| Family | One of 15 siblings; father: Anandgiri Goswami (retired Deputy Superintendent of Police) |
| Early Ambition | Wanted to be a pilot; excelled academically |
| Entry into Crime | Started as a bootlegger due to Gujarat’s alcohol prohibition; later moved into narcotics (Mandrax/Methaqualone) |
| Notorious Connections | Alleged links with underworld figures such as Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan |
| Expansion Abroad | Ran operations in Dubai, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, among others |
| Major Arrests | 1997: Arrested in Dubai for Mandrax smuggling (sentenced to life, later reduced to 12 years) |
| Alleged Conversion | Reportedly converted to Islam in Dubai for leniency and sentence reduction |
| Release & Activities | Released in 2012, moved operations to Kenya; orchestrated international drug trafficking (especially ephedrine) |
| 2016 Drug Bust | Indian police seized 18.5 tonnes of ephedrine worth ₹2,000 crore (~$250M), linked to Goswami |
| Extradition | 2017: Extradited from Kenya to the U.S.A. to face narcotics trafficking charges |
| Cooperation with U.S. | Reportedly turned state witness in the U.S. |
| Current Status | In U.S. custody as of July 2025 |
| Relationship | Romantically linked to Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni; no legal marriage confirmed; met in Dubai in 1996 |
| Mamta Kulkarni’s Status | Named as an accused in a 2016 drug case; criminal charges dismissed by the Bombay High Court in 2024 |
| Notable Traits | Hosted lavish parties with Bollywood; known for expensive gifts to celebrities |
| Other Interests | Claimed involvement in gold and coal businesses; briefly credited in the film “Sadak-Chaap” (2014) |
| Net Worth | Named as an accused in 2016 drug case; criminal charges dismissed by the Bombay High Court in 2024 |
| Legacy | From a police officer’s son to a notorious international drug lord, spanning continents and high-society circles |
Early Life and Family
Born as Vijaygiri Goswami in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Vicky belonged to a prominent law enforcement family, with his father being a high-ranking police official. Despite excelling in academics and aspiring to become a pilot, Vicky was drawn into bootlegging early due to Gujarat’s alcohol prohibition and limited economic opportunities.
Criminal Rise
Starting with illegal liquor sales, Goswami soon graduated to trafficking Methaqualone (“Mandrax”), rapidly becoming entrenched in Mumbai’s party and underworld scenes. His connections expanded overseas, leading vast narcotics networks in Africa and the Middle East.
Arrest and International Operations
Dubai authorities arrested him in 1997 for running one of the world’s largest mandrax smuggling syndicates; although sentenced to life, he reportedly secured early release due to good behaviour and alleged conversion to Islam. After 2012, he shifted base to Kenya, allegedly establishing Africa-Asia drug routes and coordinating one of India’s biggest ephedrine busts.
Relationship with Bollywood and Mamta Kulkarni
Famous for extravagant parties and gifts to film celebrities, Goswami’s high profile rose further after his relationship with Mamta Kulkarni, a Bollywood actress. Despite rumours of their marriage, Kulkarni has consistently denied any legal union or romantic continuity beyond a 1997 prison visit in Dubai, citing a later pursuit of spiritual life and celibacy.
Legal Troubles and Extradition
Repeatedly implicated in international narcotics cases, Goswami was extradited to the U.S. in 2017 and is reportedly a cooperating witness in ongoing investigations. Mamta Kulkarni was also named in the 2016 case but was acquitted in 2024 due to insufficient evidence.
Current Status and Legacy
As of July 2025, Vicky Goswami remains in U.S. custody, with ongoing legal challenges. His journey underscores a dramatic transition from Gujarat’s prohibition-era bootlegging to global notoriety and continued media fascination.
Vicky Goswami’s story vividly illustrates how ambition, opportunity, and circumstance can propel an individual from a privileged upbringing to transnational infamy, leaving an indelible mark on India’s underworld and the history of global drug enforcement.
FAQ on Vicky Goswami
Who is Vicky Goswami?
He is an Indian former bootlegger turned international drug trafficker, known for running narcotics operations in Asia and Africa.
Why was he arrested?
Goswami was arrested for major drug trafficking cases, including Mandrax and ephedrine smuggling, and was extradited to the United States in 2017.
Is Vicky Goswami married to Mamta Kulkarni?
Their relationship is widely reported, but no legal marriage has been confirmed; Kulkarni has denied being legally married to him.
What is his current status?
As of 2025, he is believed to be in U.S. custody and reportedly cooperating with authorities in ongoing investigations.
Was Mamta Kulkarni involved in his drug cases?
She was named in the 2016 ephedrine case but was acquitted by the Bombay High Court in 2024 due to insufficient evidence.