Explosive Lawsuit Claims 'Fake Spy' Fabricated CIA Ties to Steal $350M Oil Business
A dramatic lawsuit filed in Los Angeles federal court alleges that an Indian businessman living in California fabricated an elaborate cover as a deep-cover CIA operative to defraud a Dutch oil trader and steal his $350 million company. The complaint, brought by Niels Troost against Gaurav Srivastava, reads like a thriller, complete with tales of covert missions, high-level political access, and an alleged criminal conspiracy that drained millions from the energy firm.
The Elaborate Ruse of a 'Non-Official Cover' Operative
According to the RICO complaint filed on Wednesday, Gaurav Srivastava presented himself to Niels Troost as a clandestine CIA officer working under "non-official cover," using his business activities as a front. Troost, a commodities trader facing potential sanctions after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, was allegedly desperate for help. Srivastava reportedly regaled him with personal stories of training at "the Farm," the CIA's Virginia compound, showed scars he claimed were from a covert mission, and described being held hostage by ISIS in 2008.
"He's not a CIA operative and never has been," attorney Jason Masimore, representing Troost, told The Independent. "He's not even a U.S. citizen. He's simply a fraud." The lawsuit systematically dismantles Srivastava's claims, noting his "battle scars" were from a childhood kidney operation and that ISIS did not operate in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008.
Political Access and a Web of Deceit
To cement his credibility, Srivastava allegedly shared photographs of himself with political and military heavyweights, including President Joe Biden, Vice President JD Vance, former NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark, and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The complaint asserts that Srivastava bought this access through political donations and boasted of close working relationships with figures like National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Senator Chuck Schumer.
The suit claims Srivastava convinced Troost he oversaw a CIA "Program" monitoring Russian oil flows and could protect Paramount Energy & Commodities from US sanctions. Exploiting what the complaint calls Troost's "lingering tolerance for dubious claims," Srivastava allegedly persuaded the trader to sell him half the company at a deep discount in July 2022, insisting it was necessary for government backing.
The Alleged Theft and Lavish Spending
Once embedded, the complaint details how Srivastava allegedly began siphoning millions from Paramount. In December 2022, he had Troost transfer $51 million to an Indonesian firm, framed as a loan. Through complex transactions designed to foil regulators, Srivastava then funneled $25 million to himself to purchase a $24.5 million Pacific Palisades mansion complete with a bocce court, orchard, and bomb shelter-cum-wine cave.
Additional millions were allegedly drained by sending large payments to various entities, including a law firm Srivastava claimed was associated with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi but was actually run by a lawyer suspended after a narcotics conviction. Srivastava reportedly kitted out a Los Angeles office with Paramount's money to mimic a federal workspace, displaying the Great Seal of the United States and custom-engraved ceremonial swords he falsely claimed were gifts from senior officials.
The Unraveling and a Vicious Smear Campaign
The scheme began to unravel in early 2023 when a Paramount director spotted a news article about the Palisades mansion. Troost hired an investigator who uncovered a history of fraud allegations against Srivastava. When confronted in May 2023, Srivastava allegedly responded with threats, vowing to tell US authorities Troost was a Russian agent and have him sanctioned.
Troost rescinded Srivastava's stake in Paramount on May 10, 2023. The complaint states Srivastava "reacted with anger" and launched an aggressive smear campaign through the New York-based Arkin Group, a firm founded by former CIA chiefs. This campaign allegedly included publishing fabricated stories claiming Troost had criminal ties to Russia and was a clandestine funder of the Wagner Group, even targeting his children.
Broader Fallout and Ongoing Legal Battles
The aftermath has been devastating. Troost's company is now in liquidation, and he has been sanctioned by the UK, EU, and Switzerland—actions Srivastava has publicly taken credit for, according to the suit. Both men have established dueling websites to air accusations.
The lawsuit is the latest in a long-running saga that has roped in intelligence community members, US senators, foreign officials, and even pop star John Legend, who performed at an Atlantic Council event sponsored by Srivastava's foundation using allegedly stolen funds. It is the first suit to name Srivastava personally as a defendant.
Troost's suit seeks the return of all wrongfully obtained funds, plus compensatory, punitive, and treble damages. Srivastava has not yet formally responded to the allegations. His attorney did not reply to requests for comment, nor did The Arkin Group, whom Troost is suing separately for defamation.
As the complaint notes, the case "may have the hallmarks of a Hollywood film – fake spies, theft, and deceit," but the core allegations paint a stark picture of an elaborate fraud with real-world consequences for a once-thriving business.
