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.