A purported philanthropist, Gaurav Srivastava, who generously funded a conference on global food security organized by the Atlantic Council, is now under scrutiny for alleged fraudulent activities. Srivastava, a 32-year-old sponsor, donated over $1 million to the think tank in 2022.
The unraveling of Srivastava’s alleged deceit began when he approached Dutch oil trader Niels Troost with a dubious proposition. Claiming to be a government operative with deep ties in Washington, Srivastava suggested that if Troost made him a partner in his commodities-trading company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, and relocated its shares to a Delaware-incorporated company controlled by Srivastava, Troost could potentially escape sanctions on trading Russian oil.
To bolster his credibility, Srivastava spun elaborate tales of being a “non-official cover” (NOC) for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He regaled Troost with fabricated stories of counter-terrorism missions and hostage situations, even asserting that figures like Warren Buffett and Elon Musk were part of the same NOC network.
Srivastava strategically surrounded Troost with seemingly credible individuals who furthered his false narratives. He recommended hiring the law firm Baker & Hostetler, insinuating its close ties to the government. One of the firm’s partners, Jeffrey Berg, allegedly reinforced Srivastava’s claims of influential connections.
As Troost grew wary and initiated due diligence in April 2023, investigators uncovered a history of (alleged) corporate fraud suits and unpaid bills against Srivastava. Legal battles from 2017 to 2019, involving unlicensed medical devices, unpaid medical bills, and a failed multi-million-dollar business deal, painted a troubling picture of Srivastava’s business practices.
Srivastava’s seemingly low-profile life in Los Angeles with his wife, Sharon Srivastava, also co-founder of their foundation, contrasts with the questionable online presence of their philanthropic efforts. The unraveling of this alleged con raises questions about the authenticity of Srivastava’s connections and the motives behind his significant donation to the Atlantic Council.
