A high-profile director from Carnival Cruise Lines, renowned in their field and recipient of multiple industry awards, was arrested in July 2024. The arrest took place at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans, following a joint operation by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents.
Charges Stem from Federal Investigation
According to court records, the individual—identified as Pankaj Singh Bohra, a 35-year-old Indian national—has been charged under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2) for possession of materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors. The case forms part of a federal crackdown known as Project Safe Childhood.
History of Employment with Carnival Cruise Lines
Bohra was employed as a director aboard Carnival vessels and maintained a prominent reputation in the cruise industry. His position afforded him close working relationships with both guests and crew.
Discovery and Seizure of Illegal Material
The arrest followed a targeted inspection of Bohra at the New Orleans terminal, during which officials discovered child pornography in his possession. He was taken into custody immediately after the material was uncovered.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On April 1, 2025, Bohra appeared before a judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana, where he pleaded guilty. On April 10, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Bohra received an 18-month prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release, mandatory sex offender registration, and a $100 special assessment fee.
Project Safe Childhood: A Nationwide Initiative
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, launched in 2006. The initiative coordinates efforts across federal, state, and local agencies to target individuals exploiting children over the internet.
Interagency Collaboration Led to Successful Arrest
The announcement credited the collaborative work of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana—highlighting a coordinated approach against such crimes.
Impact on the Cruise Industry
This case casts a shadow over Carnival Cruise Lines and raises concerns about crew conduct aboard cruise ships. While this individual was acting alone, the incident underscores the need for heightened oversight and stricter vetting procedures within the industry.
Broader Message on Online Child Exploitation
Officials stress that digital platforms like Telegram and others are often used in the distribution of abusive material, reaffirming Project Safe Childhood’s commitment to dismantling these networks and protecting vulnerable populationrter version or any other changes
