California Businessman Accused of Impersonating CIA Operative in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
A California-based businessman who claimed to be a top-secret CIA operative is facing serious allegations in a US lawsuit. He is accused of orchestrating a scheme to defraud a Dutch oil trader of a company valued at $350 million. The case has drawn significant attention due to its international dimensions and the audacious nature of the claims involved.
'Not Even a US Citizen, Simply a Fraud': The Allegations Against Gaurav Srivastava
Gaurav Srivastava, an Indian national residing in the United States, is described in legal documents as a "fake spy" who falsely presented himself as a powerful intelligence operative. According to the lawsuit, he used this fabricated identity to gain money, influence, and control over a major energy business. His alleged victim, Dutch-born trader Niels Troost, asserts that this deception ultimately led to the destruction of his company.
A former federal prosecutor representing Troost has been unequivocal in his statements. "Srivastava is not a CIA operative and never has been," he declared. The prosecutor, Jason Massimore, added emphatically, "He’s not even a U.S. citizen. He’s simply a fraud." These strong words underscore the gravity of the accusations leveled against Srivastava.
Kidnapped by ISIS? How Srivastava Convinced Troost He Was the 'Real Deal'
According to the lawsuit, Troost first encountered Srivastava in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This was a period when Russian oil companies were under intense scrutiny, and Troost had longstanding business partnerships with them. Many countries supporting Ukraine imposed sanctions on Russia following the invasion, creating a precarious environment for traders like Troost.
Srivastava allegedly claimed he could protect Troost from US sanctions, asserting that he possessed knowledge of a secret CIA programme monitoring Russian oil flows. To bolster his credibility, Srivastava told Troost he was an undercover CIA officer. He even displayed scars on his body, which he attributed to a dangerous mission, and claimed he had been kidnapped by ISIS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2008.
However, the complaint reveals that these stories were entirely invented. It states that the scars actually resulted from a childhood kidney operation and points out that ISIS did not operate in the DRC at that time. To further reinforce his claims, Srivastava shared photographs of himself with senior political and military figures, including former President Joe Biden and former NATO commander General Wesley Clark. Troost says he believed he was dealing with someone backed by the highest levels of the US government.
Millions of Dollars Made Through 'Complete Fiction'
The complaint alleges a sustained criminal enterprise. "For more than five years, defendant Gaurav Srivastava led a criminal enterprise that stole and extorted tens of millions of dollars from plaintiffs and other victims based upon the false over-arching narrative that Srivastava was a high-level non-official cover operative for the CIA," it states. It adds bluntly, "That was all a complete fiction."
Troost claims that in July 2022, Srivastava convinced him to sell half of his company, Paramount Energy, at a steep discount. He was told this move was necessary to avoid sanctions and to continue trading Russian oil with White House support. Despite objections from other partners, Troost agreed to the deal.
Soon after, Srivastava pressured Troost to relocate the company to the US and facilitated the transfer of $51 million from a subsidiary to an Indonesian firm. Of this amount, $25 million allegedly ended up with Srivastava, who used it to purchase a $24.5 million mansion in Pacific Palisades. More funds were siphoned off through payments to dubious entities, including a law firm that Srivastava claimed had ties to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This firm was reportedly run by a lawyer previously convicted on narcotics charges.
Unpaid Debts, Bounced Cheques Raise Suspicion
Suspicions began to mount when a news headline revealed Srivastava’s luxury home purchase. Troost hired an investigator who allegedly uncovered a pattern of past fraudulent activities, including unpaid debts and bounced cheques. When Troost confronted him, Srivastava allegedly threatened retaliation, warning that if Troost did not comply, he would be labeled a Russian agent and face sanctions. Troost eventually revoked Srivastava’s stake in the company in May 2023.
The lawsuit further accuses Srivastava of hiring The Arkin Group, a firm run by former senior CIA figures, to spread false stories portraying Troost as a Kremlin-linked criminal. One report claimed Troost funded the Wagner Group, while another targeted his children, including attempts to have his son expelled from a UK university, according to The Independent. Srivastava has denied posing as a spy, and The Arkin Group has stated he never claimed to work for the CIA. However, the complaint includes call transcripts in which Srivastava allegedly describes himself as a clandestine operative.
Troost’s company is now in liquidation. His lawsuit seeks the return of all funds allegedly taken by Srivastava, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the businessman once trusted with high-stakes deals.
