Gaurav Srivastava CIA claims are at the center of civil lawsuits in US courts tied to failed Indonesia defense deal efforts.
The complaints, filed by former business partner Niels Troost, accuse Indian-born, US-based businessman Gaurav Srivastava of fraud, extortion and misrepresentation. The lawsuits allege that Srivastava made recorded remarks claiming he worked for the CIA. Srivastava denies posing as a CIA operative.
Alleged CIA Claims and Indonesia Defense Access
Court filings and investigative findings allege that Srivastava used claimed links to the US intelligence and defense establishment to build access to political and business circles in Indonesia.
His reported contacts included Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Srivastava began approaching Prabowo in 2020, when Prabowo was serving as defense minister under then-President Joko Widodo.
Srivastava was also seen around Prabowo during meetings in Washington, DC, in October 2020, when US defense contractors presented equipment proposals to an Indonesian delegation. Former acting US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller confirmed Srivastava attended talks involving a fighter aircraft sale but said he did not represent the US government.
F-15 Jets, Black Hawks and Failed Agreements
Between 2020 and 2022, companies linked to Srivastava received five preliminary defense documents involving F-15 fighter jets, Black Hawk helicopters, C-130 Hercules maintenance and a command-and-control center.
In August 2022, the US government approved a potential $13.9 billion sale of 36 F-15 jets to Indonesia. The approval did not name Srivastava or his companies.
Indonesian officials said the letters linked to Srivastava’s companies were exploratory and not binding contracts. None of the agreements became completed purchases.
Lawsuit Also Cites Biofuels Loan
The dispute also involves Arsari Group, chaired by Prabowo’s brother. Court filings allege that Troost’s company extended a $51 million loan connected to biofuels projects.
The filings claim nearly half of the money was routed to entities connected to Srivastava and used toward a Los Angeles mansion valued at about $25 million. Srivastava rejects the allegations.
The case matters because it links US court fraud claims, alleged intelligence misrepresentation and attempted defense business involving a major US partner in Southeast Asia. The lawsuits remain allegations unless proven in court.
