Indian-origin businessman Gaurav Srivastava, who is already facing multiple fraud-related cases in the United States, has been accused of orchestrating a major defence-linked fraud in Indonesia by allegedly posing as a covert operative of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), according to a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Indonesian magazine Tempo.

The investigation alleges that Srivastava cultivated a close relationship with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was serving as the country's defence minister at the time, by falsely claiming to have links with the CIA. Investigators claim he secured a fraudulent loan worth approximately ₹425 crore in the name of proposed defence procurement projects between 2020 and 2022.

Defence Procurement at Centre of Allegations

According to the investigation, Srivastava allegedly promised to facilitate the acquisition of advanced military equipment for Indonesia, including 36 F-15 fighter aircraft, Black Hawk helicopters, C-130 transport aircraft, and sophisticated military command systems.

The proposed fighter jet deal alone was reportedly valued at nearly ₹1.32 lakh crore.

Investigators further alleged that the transactions were routed through four shell companies, which were later shut down after reportedly failing to meet tax obligations.

Luxury Property Purchased with Alleged Fraud Proceeds

The report also claims that Srivastava used funds obtained through the alleged scheme to purchase a luxury mansion in Los Angeles worth around ₹208 crore.

He has reportedly been facing several fraud-related legal cases in the United States since 2024.

Claims of Close Access to Indonesian Leadership

The OCCRP-Tempo investigation alleges that Srivastava won the confidence of Prabowo Subianto, who allegedly referred to him as "Mr G."

According to the report, Srivastava impressed Indonesian officials by sharing personal details about Prabowo that were believed to be known only to close associates. Investigators also claim he told officials he had played a role in tracking suspects involved in the 2002 Bali bombings and had helped remove Prabowo's name from a US immigration blacklist.

These claims have not been independently verified.

Indonesia Says No Financial Loss Incurred

Responding to the allegations, Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Riko Sirait stated that none of the proposed defence procurements progressed to the stage of a final agreement.

He said that because no contracts were executed, the Indonesian government did not suffer any direct financial loss.

Alleged False CIA Identity

Court documents cited in the investigation allege that Srivastava falsely portrayed himself as a "non-official cover" (NOC) operative working for the CIA.

He allegedly claimed to have trained at the agency's secret training facility known as "The Farm" and told associates he had participated in covert missions across several countries. The lawsuit also alleges he fabricated stories of being captured by ISIS during a mission in Congo and escaping captivity, while attributing scars on his body to classified operations.

US court filings and media reports further allege that Srivastava used photographs with senior American political leaders—including former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Senator Chuck Schumer—to bolster his credibility. Investigators, however, said these interactions were linked to political donations and attendance at public events rather than any official government role.

The allegations remain under legal scrutiny, and investigations in both the United States and Indonesia are ongoing.

An 87-year-old woman in Bilaspur district has accused a local BJP-supported panch of using KYC, paddy-registration and insurance pretexts to grab property and cash worth about ₹90 lakh, and on Thursday the police booked the accused after the matter reached the SSP’s office.

Allegations and lead details
According to the complaint filed by Balkunvar Basor of Belgahna village, the accused — identified as panch Fagun Prasad Prajapati alias Monu, a resident of Kenda — cultivated a relationship by offering help and carrying out KYC formalities for her bank account. Initial reports indicate that on 14 December 2021, about ₹23 lakh was transferred from Basor’s Indian State Bank account into the accused’s account, the complaint says.

Land and documents
Basor told officials she was taken to Kota tehsil in July and September 2022 for “paddy registration” that was presented as necessary to sell produce. She alleges multiple documents were signed and thumb impressions taken. Later, when Basor checked with the cooperative bank and the patwari, she learned that no paddy sale had been recorded in her name and that two plots — khata numbers 763 and 991/2, totalling about 6.34 acres (roughly 2.5 hectares) in Lufa gram panchayat — had been transferred in the accused’s name.

Vehicle and jewellery transfers
The complaint also states that vehicles registered earlier in the name of her deceased son Ramesh — a Centro car, an Activa and a small commercial vehicle — were shown to require insurance or paperwork updates. Basor alleges that after giving thumb impressions, she later found the three vehicles transferred to Prajapati’s name. She further says gold and silver kept at home were taken by the accused.

Local response and police delays
Basor and her relatives said they repeatedly approached local authorities — Belgahna police chowki, the SDOP office in Kota and the SSP office in Bilaspur — seeking redress. They allege the police delayed action for a long time and, after what they say was an intermediary payment of ₹2 lakh from the accused’s side, told them the matter was not fit for investigation and advised them to pursue civil remedies in court under Section 174 final report procedures.

Escalation to IG, SSP intervention
On Thursday, Basor visited the IG office in Bilaspur and submitted a written complaint to DSP Vivek Sharma after she could not meet IG Ramgopal Garg. Her submission included a request for dignity and, as she described it, a plea for “right to die” (a statement she used to highlight her distress at alleged injustice). DSP Sharma said he would review the matter and ensure action, sources said.

After the application reached SSP Rajnesh Singh, the police ordered a probe and registered a case against Prajapati under sections related to cheating, fraudulent transfer of property and other relevant provisions. Officers are now examining bank transactions, land registry entries and vehicle transfer documents, a police official confirmed.

Ground-level cues
Villagers and relatives described Basor as a widow who survives by selling jhawa-tukni (bamboo baskets); she lives with one daughter who cares for her. Neighbours told reporters the family had little means and that the case had created palpable anger in the locality. Several residents said they had seen the accused routinely helping the elderly woman before the alleged transfers came to light.

Next steps in probe
Police said forensic scrutiny of the disputed signatures and thumb impressions, along with bank records and land registry documents, will determine whether the transfers were fraudulent. The investigating officer added that records from the cooperative bank and the tehsil office were being sought and that vehicle registration and insurance companies would be asked for transfer paperwork.

Why it matters
The case highlights recurring vulnerabilities facing elderly, low-income residents in rural India, where informal assistance can be exploited to execute property transfers. Rights activists say quick, transparent criminal probes are essential to deter similar cases and restore public confidence in local institutions.

Related developments
Officials have not released statements by the accused so far. The police have called for a technical review and said they would update the complainant once document verification is complete.

Victims protested at SP office, demanded FIR and return of funds after couple allegedly vanished with investments.

Around 200 people in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, have accused a local couple of running a scheme that promised to “double” investors’ money and then disappearing, leaving families in financial distress, according to victims and local officials. The aggrieved staged a protest at the Superintendent of Police (SP) office on Wednesday, demanding an FIR and speedy action.

Who and where
Victims identified the accused as Aslam Ansari and his wife, Abla Sultana (also known as Nanda). The alleged fraud affected residents across Rewa city and surrounding localities, with many complainants saying they were women and elderly savers from neighbourhoods including (localities named by victims), who handed over lifetime savings or borrowed money to invest.

How the scheme worked
Sources familiar with the matter said the couple initially paid out small returns to early investors, building credibility. That encouraged a larger number of people to deposit money with them on the promise that their principal would double. According to victims’ estimates shared during the protest, the scheme drew in “lakhs to crores” of rupees collectively, though no consolidated total has been recorded by police.

Timeline and ground cues
Initial reports indicate payments were made for a short period before the accused began delaying returns. Over recent weeks, when more depositors asked for their money back, the couple reportedly became evasive and then went missing, leaving many households without funds in the run-up to daily expenses and bill payments. Protesters gathered at the SP office in the late morning, some carrying receipts and hand-written records of transactions.

Victims’ complaints
Speaking to reporters at the SP office, several victims described acute financial hardship. One woman said she had given “years of savings” to the couple after they approached her at home; another said she borrowed from relatives to make the deposit. Organisers of the protest claimed roughly 200 people were affected and handed over a memorandum calling for immediate FIR registration and recovery measures.

Police response
SP Guru Karan Singh received the delegation and acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. “We will investigate the matter and take appropriate action,” he told assembled victims, according to those present. Officials confirmed they have begun preliminary inquiries into complaints received at local police stations and that forensic checks on transaction records will follow. Police did not say whether an FIR had been registered at the time of the protest but assured demonstrators that legal steps would be taken.

Why this matters
Schemes that promise unrealistically high returns can devastate low- and middle-income households, particularly where social trust and word-of-mouth endorsements replace formal financial safeguards. Local consumer groups and a lawyer representing a cluster of victims said quick registration of an FIR is essential to preserve evidence, track suspected bank transfers or cash flows, and issue lookout notices if needed.

Background and context
Financial frauds using personal networks have surfaced periodically in smaller Indian towns, often blurring the line between informal lending and ponzi-style operations. Early payouts to initial investors are a common tactic to lure larger sums. Regulators and police have increasingly warned the public to verify registrations and insist on formal receipts and written contracts for any investment.

Impact and next steps
Protest leaders said they will continue pressure until an FIR is filed and the accused are located. Several victims are preparing to pursue a coordinated legal complaint with documentary evidence, receipts and witness statements. Police told reporters they would examine CCTV, phone records and bank transactions and coordinate with neighbouring districts if the accused have fled outside Rewa.

What to watch
Authorities’ next public update on FIR registration and the progress of the probe will be closely watched by victims. If a formal FIR is filed, the case could move quickly to asset-tracing and potential attachment requests to recover investor funds.

Bhopal man who ran Faith Cricket Academy arrested in fraud case involving ex-DGP

olice arrested the owner of Faith Cricket Academy, identified as 44-year-old Raghavendra Singh Tomar, late Thursday night in connection with a four-year-old fraud case that allegedly targeted retired Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police H.M. Joshi, officials said. The arrest comes after a local probe found a forged agreement used to remove Joshi from a partnership over land earmarked for a cricket academy.

Arrest and charges
According to Sanjeev Chouksey, station in-charge at Habibganj police station, Tomar was taken into custody from his residence in Bhopal. He faces charges under sections related to cheating and forgery after an FIR was registered several years ago following a complaint by Joshi.

“Initial reports indicate Tomar prepared a fake agreement and used forged signatures to deprive Joshi of his share in the partnership firm,” Chouksey said. “The matter pertains to land in Semri village, under Ratibad police limits, where the academy was to be set up.”

How the deal unfolded
Sources familiar with the matter said the original deal was struck in 2017, when Joshi — who lives in E-5 Arera Colony — entered a partnership with the Faith Group for development of a cricket facility on his land in Gram Semri. The partnership company was registered as Messrs Faith Cricket Club and the parties began work on planning the academy.

Two years into the arrangement, investigators say, Tomar allegedly produced a document purporting to remove Joshi from the firm. The agreement, police contend, bore what turned out to be forged signatures and was used to transfer rights away from the former DGP.

Police action and evidence
After Joshi lodged a complaint, the case was examined by local investigators and an FIR was registered. Police said handwriting and signature analysis, along with documentary scrutiny carried out during the probe, raised doubts about the validity of the agreement; those findings formed the basis for the recent arrest.

Chouksey added that investigators recovered several documents from Tomar’s office during searches, which are being examined for links to the alleged fraud. “We are gathering more documentary evidence and questioning witnesses,” he said. “Further charges may follow depending on what the probe turns up.”

Local reactions
Neighbours in Semri and residents of Ratibad who spoke to reporters on Friday said the dispute has stalled work at the cricket ground and unsettled local plans for a sports facility. “We were hopeful the academy would bring training opportunities for youth,” said one resident. “But the legal fight has kept everything on hold.”

The former DGP, according to sources, has cooperated with the police inquiry. Officials declined to share details of any financial recovery efforts or the current status of the land, saying the property title and transfer records are part of an ongoing legal review.

Legal timeline and next steps
The case dates back roughly four years, with the FIR filed after Joshi noticed what he believed were irregularities in the firm’s paperwork. Following the filing, investigators conducted documentary checks and a probe was opened. Tomar’s arrest on Thursday night — nearly a year after the case came into sharper focus locally — reflects renewed investigative activity, officials said.

Tomar will be produced before a magistrate on Friday and police expect to seek his custodial remand to question him further. Meanwhile, investigators plan to obtain more forensic reports and may call additional witnesses linked to the 2017 deal.

Why it matters
The case has attracted attention partly because it involves a retired top police official and partly because it highlights recurring problems in local land and partnership disputes, legal experts said. Fraud involving forged agreements can complicate title clearances and stall development projects, affecting local communities and investors.

What to watch
Authorities said they will update the public once the magistrate hearing concludes and as forensic findings are finalized. For the neighbourhood in Semri, the key question remains whether the stalled cricket academy will now resume development or remain tied up in litigation for a longer period.

Bilaspur Holiday Package Scam: Firm Flees After Alleged 50 Lakh Fraud

Victims allege Clubriant Hospitality cheated dozens at Magneto Mall through fake gift vouchers and holiday package offers.

In a major fraud case reported from Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur, a travel firm operating out of a premium mall has allegedly decamped after duping scores of residents. The company, identified as Clubriant Hospitality Private Limited, reportedly lured victims with promises of free gifts and lucrative holiday packages before shutting down its operations overnight.

While initial police complaints account for over ₹8 lakh, victims gathered at the site claim the total swindled amount could range between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore. The Civil Line police have registered an FIR against 16 individuals, including the company’s directors and staff.

Trapped by the ‘Lucky Draw’ bait

The fraud came to light when Amit Gupta, a local resident, approached the police. Gupta stated that he received a phone call on February 20 informing him that his name had been selected in a lucky draw. He was asked to collect his prize from Office No. 415, located on the fourth floor of Magneto Mall.

Upon reaching the office, Gupta was given a high-pressure sales pitch regarding "unmissable" holiday memberships. Enticed by the offers, he transferred ₹25,000 on February 27, followed by another ₹50,000 under the pretext of ticket booking and processing fees.

Office found locked as staff vanished

The suspicion grew when the promised travel details and vouchers failed to arrive via email. When Gupta tried contacting the representatives, their phones were switched off. On April 24, he visited the mall only to find the office locked.

Sources familiar with the matter said that nearly 20 other victims were already present at the mall entrance, realizing they had been duped in a similar fashion. The firm had promised seamless bookings but disappeared as soon as the collection targets were met.

Initial probe reveals multi-city network

Preliminary investigations suggest a well-organized racket. Apart from Amit Gupta, other victims include Sushant Kumar (₹76,000), Rohit Sharma (₹1.28 lakh), and Dr. Sharad Karnewar (₹1.10 lakh). Police officials noted that the scam followed a consistent pattern of targeting salaried professionals and credit card holders.

Further inquiries revealed that the gang did not limit its operations to Bilaspur. The firm allegedly operated similar desks at Magneto Mall in Raipur and Surya Mall in Bhilai, indicating a wider network across Chhattisgarh’s major urban hubs.

Police name 16 in FIR

Following the outcry, Civil Line police have booked the main operator, Nagesh Balasaheb Sakhre, and his associate Shrimant Ram Khande. The FIR also names 14 other employees, including Kiran Muni, Imran Ansari, Sahil Thakur, and Muskan Gupta, among others, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating.

Local authorities confirmed that teams are being formed to track the digital footprints of the transactions and locate the accused, who are believed to have fled the state.

Potential for higher fraud figures

"We are currently documenting the statements of those who have come forward," a senior officer involved in the probe said. "Given the duration the office was functional, we expect the number of victims to rise significantly."

Authorities have urged other citizens who may have invested in schemes by Clubriant Hospitality to report to the Civil Line police station. For now, the mall management is also being questioned regarding the lease agreements and credentials provided by the firm while renting the office space.

Rs 1.5-Crore LPG Heist in Mahasamund: 90 MT Gas Stolen After Seizure; FIR Lodged

Police have booked the owner and director of Thakur Petrochemicals for allegedly siphoning off 90 metric tonnes of seized LPG gas and selling it illegally.

In a massive scandal involving the misappropriation of government-seized property, the Mahasamund police have unearthed an LPG theft racket worth an estimated Rs 1.5 crore. The case involves the owner and director of Thakur Petrochemicals, who allegedly emptied six seized gas capsules—originally handed over to them for safe custody—and sold the fuel in the black market through domestic and commercial cylinders.

The fraud came to light after the accused attempted to mislead the district administration by claiming the gas had "leaked" from the containers. However, a technical investigation revealed a calculated heist, leading to the registration of an FIR at Singhoda police station.

Seizure of 90 MT LPG

The matter dates back to December 2025, when Singhoda police intercepted six LPG gas capsules. Due to a lack of valid legal documentation, the vehicles, carrying a combined load of 90 metric tonnes of LPG, were impounded. Concerned about the safety hazard of parked gas tankers inside the police station premises, the police moved the District Collector to shift the vehicles to a secure facility.

Following the Collector’s directive, the Food Department contacted Santosh Singh Thakur, owner of Thakur Petrochemicals. On March 30, 2026, the six tankers were officially handed over to the company for safekeeping at its plant in Urla, Abhanpur, located roughly 200 kilometers from the police station.

Elaborate Siphoning Operation

Sources familiar with the matter said the company management exploited a critical lapse: the tankers were not weighed at the time of handover. Taking advantage of this, Santosh Singh Thakur and Director Sakin Thakur allegedly moved the trucks to their plant but delayed official weighing for over a week.

Between April 6 and April 8, while the tankers were parked near the plant, the gas was systematically transferred into the company’s bullet tanks. "When their storage reached capacity, they reportedly filled the remaining gas into private tankers and cylinders, selling it to various agencies in Raipur using 'kaccha' (unofficial) bills," an official involved in the probe confirmed.

Technical Experts Debunk Leakage

To cover their tracks, the accused reported to the administration that the LPG had leaked out. However, the police roped in national-level experts to verify the claim. The investigation concluded that it is physically impossible for 20 tonnes of gas to leak from a single capsule over three months without causing a major explosion or fire. The experts noted that the capsules were structurally sound, pointing directly to manual extraction.

Financial Discrepancies Surface

The paper trail further nailed the suspects. A three-day audit of company records revealed that in April, Thakur Petrochemicals officially purchased only 47 tonnes of LPG but recorded sales of 107 tonnes. "The math didn't add up. They were selling nearly 60 tonnes of gas that never existed on their purchase registers," said a senior police officer. Investigators also found that the "unofficial" registers for April had been destroyed or hidden to vanish the evidence of illegal transactions.

Raids and Arrests

Mahasamund police have since conducted raids at the facility, seizing seven LPG tankers, four large bullet tanks, 100 cylinders, and digital evidence including DVRs and computers. While the main accused, Santosh Singh Thakur and the director, remain at large, the police have arrested one staff member, identified as Nikhil Vaishnav (41).

Teams have been dispatched to track down the fleeing management. The police are also looking into the role of the agencies that purchased the stolen gas without valid invoices.