The Case of Gaurav Srivastava: The Fake CIA Agent Scam Unraveled
Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal have uncovered a complex web of deception woven by Gaurav Srivastava, an Indian businessman now under FBI investigation for wire fraud, money laundering, and falsely claiming to be a CIA agent and American citizen.
Srivastava’s elaborate scheme involved duping high-profile individuals, including politicians, think tanks, and various fundraising committees, with promises of influence and connections within Washington. The expose revealed how he managed to maneuver his way into circles of power, even meeting President Joe Biden and donating over $1 million to the Democratic Party while masquerading as a covert CIA operative.
His audacious actions have raised serious concerns about national security vulnerabilities, with Republican lawmakers demanding answers on how a green-card holder from Lucknow gained such unfettered access to influential Democratic circles.
Despite attempts to erase public records and fabricate connections, Srivastava’s scam began to unravel when his deceitful background was exposed by a vigilant trader he tried to deceive. Now facing multiple fraud cases in California, Srivastava’s intricate web of lies is slowly being untangled.
Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2024