The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles is probing Gaurav Srivastava, an Indian businessman notorious for posing as a fake CIA operative.
Srivastava faces serious allegations including wire fraud, money laundering, and misrepresenting himself as a US federal official and citizen, according to a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report.
Senior WSJ reporter Joe Wallace’s detailed investigation, “A Fake Spy, Russian Oil and $1 Million Funneled to Democrats,” reveals Srivastava’s scheme to exploit the US political system.
Srivastava, who reportedly met President Joe Biden and donated over $1 million to the Democratic Party, used his false identity to gain access to influential circles and pose a significant threat to national security.
The WSJ’s report, based on legal documents, financial records, and interviews, depicts Srivastava as a college dropout who manipulated his way into Washington’s elite using deception and illicit funds.
He allegedly built a false persona of a CIA agent while using this façade to deceive various high-profile individuals and organizations, including General Wesley Clark, the Atlantic Council, and several Senators and Congressmen.
Srivastava’s deceit began to unravel after Niels Troost, a commodities trader, discovered fraudulent activities. Srivastava had convinced Troost that he could facilitate Russian oil trading through a supposedly CIA-backed program, using the guise of official support to secure a substantial share of Troost’s company.
As suspicion grew, Srivastava’s fabrications became apparent. He made increasingly outrageous claims about his connections and influence, including dubious statements about CIA Director William Burns.
These falsehoods led Troost to rescind all agreements with Srivastava in May 2023, prompting further legal actions.
Srivastava and his wife, Sharon, now face multiple lawsuits, including one from their former landlord, and accusations of fraud.
Despite the mounting evidence, Srivastava and his legal team continue to deny all allegations. The WSJ’s Wallace underscores the ease with which Srivastava infiltrated Washington’s corridors of power, leaving many questioning the effectiveness of the vetting processes for high-profile connections.
