Ottawa: Indian-origin businessman Ankit Srivastava and his business group “Srivastava Group” have been accused of being involved in clandestine activities in Canada.
According to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and other officials, the group was found to be involved in spreading fake news, influencing politicians and propagating propaganda in favor of India.
According to a report by Global News, the Srivastava Group is headquartered in Canada, while its offices are also in Belgium and Switzerland.
Canadian national security officials say that “the Srivastava Group and its senior officials were carrying out clandestine activities at the direction of the Indian agency ‘RAW’.”
A 2015 CSIS report revealed that “the Srivastava Group was operating several fake websites, which were posing as news outlets and spreading propaganda in favor of India and against Pakistan.”
Canadian immigration officials have barred Ankit Srivastava from entering the country, calling him a “serious threat to Canada.”
The Srivastava Group’s websites have been shut down and its offices have been vacated after the allegations surfaced in Canada.
Canadian officials say the Srivastava Group has also been conducting covert campaigns in favor of India in Europe, while diplomatic sources have described these activities as a clear example of Indian interference in other countries.
The revelations come as Canada is accusing the Indian government of interfering in other countries and waging information warfare.
