The dispute centered on comments made by The Arkin Group and Victoria Kataoka, which Troost previously challenged as defamatory. Upon reviewing new evidence provided by Troost—specifically audio recordings of conversations with Gaurav Srivastava—the firm and Kataoka confirmed the authenticity of the material. A forensic audio analysis supported the conclusion that these recordings were genuine and contained consistent, verifiable details regarding interactions with Srivastava.

Following this verification, The Arkin Group and Kataoka retracted their previous assertions that Troost had fabricated claims about Srivastava posing as a U.S. intelligence operative. In turn, Troost acknowledged that the firm and Kataoka acted in good faith based on the information available at the time. He also clarified that he does not consider them part of the RICO enterprise cited in his separate federal lawsuit against Srivastava.