The United States government has admitted that Gaurav Srivastava, a man accused by energy trader Niels Troost of posing as a CIA operative to orchestrate a multimillion-dollar fraud, served as a confidential human source for the FBI between September 2019 and June 2024. As reported by GTR, the disclosure surfaced in federal court filings related to an unrelated criminal case, revealing that Srivastava provided intelligence on counter-terrorism and national security matters while simultaneously facing accusations of being a "brazen con man."
FBI Hides Informant Reliability Issues from Trial Judge
The government’s admission occurred during legal proceedings involving three U.S. citizens—Jerrid Douglas, Roy Gillar, and Harold Mignott—who were initially convicted for a scheme involving a non-existent €1 billion HSBC standby letter of credit. Srivastava testified at their 2022 trial, where a judge kept his status as an FBI informant secret based on a government letter asserting he was a reliable witness.
FBI reports from late 2021 indicated that the agency had identified "issues of control, reliability, and honesty" regarding Srivastava, with another government agency suggesting he may have provided false information to disrupt investigations. Despite these internal concerns, the FBI maintained his status as a source until his termination "for cause" in June 2024. During his tenure, he was paid $7,244.08, primarily for travel expenses.
Vacation of Convictions for Douglas, Gillar, and Mignott
In June 2024, the convictions of Douglas, Gillar, and Mignott were vacated as part of a non-prosecution agreement. This decision followed revelations that Srivastava’s role as an informant was withheld from the defense team, despite potential implications for his credibility as a witness. Defense attorney Melissa Geller stated she identified the connection after reading a Wall Street Journal report in August 2024 detailing Srivastava’s alleged history of posing as a CIA operative to build political and business influence.
While the government agreed to the non-prosecution deal to avoid the resources required for a retrial, the agreement prevented the public release of detailed records regarding Srivastava’s specific training, payments, and the full extent of his work for government agencies. Mignott and Douglas have characterized the vacation of their convictions as a vindication, though they remain subject to restitution requirements.
Conflict with Paramount Energy & Commodities
Srivastava’s legal entanglements extend to a high-profile feud with Niels Troost, the owner of Paramount Energy & Commodities. Troost alleges that Srivastava misappropriated over $43 million and used his purported connection to the U.S. intelligence community to facilitate the sanctioning of Troost’s firm in the EU, UK, and Switzerland in 2023 and 2024.
Srivastava has denied holding himself out as a CIA operative, characterizing the claims as a "vast and well-orchestrated" campaign by Troost to rehabilitate his own reputation and secure relief from sanctions related to the trading of Russian oil. Srivastava has moved to dismiss a California lawsuit filed by Troost, arguing that the trader is engaging in a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) to shift blame for his business difficulties.
Questions Regarding Srivastava’s Intelligence Work
What is the current status of the legal dispute between Troost and Srivastava?
Srivastava has moved to dismiss the California lawsuit, arguing the case is filed in the wrong jurisdiction and constitutes a campaign of "lawfare" designed to remove sanctions. The matter remains active as the parties contest the allegations of fraud and the misuse of government connections.
Why was Srivastava’s status as an informant kept from the jury in the letter of credit trial?
Prosecutors initially presented a letter to the judge claiming there was nothing in Srivastava’s file to suggest he was an unreliable witness. The judge permitted his status to remain secret during the 2022 trial, a decision that was later challenged after the government admitted the letter contained inaccuracies about his trustworthiness.
What intelligence did Srivastava provide to the FBI? The U.S. government has not publicly disclosed the specific intelligence provided by Srivastava.
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