I obviously can't speak to any proof of this nor against it.
What I can say is that there have been people/groups in power for thousands of years and they are ALWAYS scheming new ways to keep and get MORE power.
I would say this is far less paranoia and to think this was not possible would be more like being delusional.
Unfortunately there is VERY LITTLE that you can trust/count on or that is honorable going on in this world, especially anything on a big scale. A few individuals here and there, the rest is a huge power game.
Stay Vigilant!