Indian-origin businessman posed as CIA agent to secure Indonesia defence deals
A joint investigation revealed Gaurav Srivastava cultivated ties with senior Indonesian officials and secured preliminary defence agreements worth billions of dollars
An Indian-origin businessman allegedly posing as a CIA agent secured preliminary defence agreements worth billions of dollars in Indonesia after developing close ties with senior officials.
According to a joint investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Indonesian media outlet Tempo, the accused Gaurav Srivastava built a relationship with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto while he was serving as Defence Minister.
The report further stated that Srivastava introduced himself to officials and business leaders as a CIA operative and was nicknamed "Mr G" by Prabowo.
Defence agreements
Between 2020 and 2022, companies controlled by Srivastava obtained five preliminary agreements from Indonesia's Defence Ministry and a state-owned defence company.
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The proposed deals included 36 F-15 fighter jets, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, C-130 transport aircraft and a joint operations command and control centre. However, none of the proposed purchases was finalised, reported Tempo.
Fresh allegations
Dutch oil trader Niels Troost told Tempo that he accompanied Srivastava to Prabowo's residence in West Java in 2022.
Troost further alleged that Srivastava claimed he had helped identify those behind the 2002 Bali bombings and assisted in removing Prabowo from a long-standing US immigration blacklist. He said that Srivastava displayed detailed knowledge of Prabowo's personal habits.
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Indonesia's Defence Ministry confirmed the preliminary agreements but said they were not legally binding.
"The entire process of Indonesian defence cooperation and procurement is always carried out with utmost caution, prioritising the principles of good governance, national interest, and compliance with applicable mechanisms and regulations," Sirait said.
Civil lawsuits
The investigation also alleged that the four companies controlled by Srivastava were shell companies that were later deregistered for failing to pay taxes.
Troost has filed civil lawsuits in the US, alleging Srivastava falsely claimed CIA links and transferred a 50 per cent stake in his company based on those claims.
In court filings, he described Srivastava as "a brazen con man of remarkable skill." The lawsuits also allege Srivastava diverted part of a USD 51 million loan intended for the Arsari Group to buy a $25 million Los Angeles mansion.
Srivastava has denied falsely claiming to be a CIA agent, calling the allegations "gross fabrications."