An Indian-origin businessman is facing allegations that he falsely portrayed himself as a CIA agent to build relationships with Indonesia’s political and military leadership while pursuing multibillion-dollar defence contracts.

The claims centre on Gaurav Srivastava, who has denied any wrongdoing and described the allegations as false. The accusations emerge from ongoing civil lawsuits filed by his former business partner and an investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

Who is Gaurav Srivastava?

Gaurav Srivastava is an Indian-origin businessman who became involved in international defence-related business ventures through several companies.

According to court filings, Srivastava established relationships with senior Indonesian officials between 2020 and 2022 while pursuing potential military procurement agreements.

However, the allegations against him have not resulted in criminal charges related to impersonating a CIA agent, and the claims remain the subject of civil litigation.

What are the allegations?

The allegations were made in civil lawsuits filed by former business partner Niels Troost in courts in California and the Southern District of New York.

According to the lawsuits, Srivastava allegedly

• Claimed to work for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
• Used that purported identity to gain credibility with Indonesian political and military leaders.
• Built close ties with then-Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, who is now Indonesia’s president.
• Attended high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., and Jakarta where defense procurement was discussed.
• Pursued billions of dollars in proposed defense contracts.

The lawsuits allege these claims persuaded Troost to transfer a 50% ownership stake in one of their companies.

What defence deals were involved?

According to the OCCRP investigation, companies controlled by Srivastava signed several preliminary agreements and letters of intent involving proposed Indonesian military purchases.

The reported proposals included:

• 36 Boeing F-15 fighter jets.
• UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
• C-130 military transport aircraft.
• A joint command-and-control centre for Indonesia’s defense ministry.

In 2022, the United States approved a possible sale of 36 F-15 aircraft and related equipment to Indonesia valued at up to $13.9 billion. However, the OCCRP report says none of Srivastava’s companies were listed in the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s announcement for that proposed sale.

Why are shell companies part of the controversy?

The investigation alleges that four companies are linked to Srivastava:

• Had little or no prior defence procurement experience.
• Functioned as shell companies.
• Were later deregistered after failing to pay taxes.

The report says these companies, nevertheless, signed multiple preliminary defence agreements with Indonesia’s defence ministry and a state-owned defence enterprise.

Importantly, letters of intent and memoranda of understanding are preliminary documents and do not necessarily result in finalised contracts.

What role did Indonesia’s leadership allegedly play?

The lawsuits claim Srivastava developed close ties with Prabowo Subianto while he served as Indonesia’s defence minister.

He was reportedly photographed alongside Prabowo during one agreement-signing ceremony and allegedly cultivated relationships with other influential Indonesian divs, including businessman Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Prabowo’s brother.

There is no allegation that Indonesian officials knowingly participated in any impersonation scheme.

How has Srivastava responded?

Srivastava has strongly denied the accusations.

He has called allegations that he posed as a CIA agent “gross fabrications” made by his former business partner.

He has also questioned Troost’s credibility, noting that Troost has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Switzerland over Russian oil trading.

What is the current status of the case?

The allegations remain part of ongoing civil lawsuits.

At this stage:

• The claims have not been proven in court.
• Srivastava denies all allegations.
• No criminal conviction has been reported regarding the alleged CIA agent impersonation.
• The proposed Indonesian defence agreements reportedly did not lead to completed purchases.

The legal proceedings are expected to determine whether the allegations have merit and whether any financial damages are owed between the former business partners.