Ghaziabad Police arrest Harsh Vardhan Jain for running a fake embassy from a rented bungalow. The accused posed as an ambassador of fictional micronations like West Arctica, Saborga, and Poulvia, duping people with fake documents, diplomatic cars, and overseas job scams.
In a bizarre and shocking case, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has busted a fake embassy operating out of a rented bungalow in Ghaziabad’s upscale Kavi Nagar area. The main accused, Harsh Vardhan Jain, posed as an “ambassador” of multiple fictional micronations, including West Arctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia.
Luxury Cars, Diplomatic Plates, and Doctored Photos
To appear authentic, Jain used luxury cars bearing fake diplomatic number plates, and even circulated morphed photographs of himself with world leaders. His elaborate setup fooled many, as he moved around confidently portraying himself as a high-profile diplomat.
The STF arrested Jain on Tuesday, uncovering a sophisticated network involving forged documents, fake diplomatic passports, and even a suspected hawala racket.
Seizure List: Diplomatic Passports, Fake IDs, Stamps, and More
Authorities confiscated a significant cache of fraudulent items from the bungalow, including:
- 12 forged diplomatic passports
- 4 vehicles with fake diplomatic plates
- 2 forged PAN cards
- 34 rubber stamps from various countries and companies
- Fake documents stamped with the seal of India’s Ministry of External Affairs
- 2 fake press cards
Police suspect that Jain duped people by offering fake international business deals and job opportunities abroad. Victims may have paid large sums, believing they were securing legitimate diplomatic or foreign employment positions.
High-Profile Links Under Investigation
According to Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Yash, Harsh Vardhan Jain not only posed as an ambassador but ran the bogus embassy like a professional operation, complete with official-looking documentation and symbols of power.
Police are also investigating alleged links between Jain and notorious figures such as controversial godman Chandraswami and arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. If verified, these connections could unravel a larger international fraud network.
Fictional Nations, Real Crimes
The so-called micronations like West Arctica, Saborga, and Poulvia exist only on obscure internet forums and in online micronation communities. These entities hold no legal status, and their “diplomatic missions” are purely fictional.
However, Jain leveraged the exotic appeal and perceived legitimacy of these micronations to exploit victims. His embassy setup included official nameplates, staff uniforms, and even a reception area—all staged within a rented bungalow in a residential neighborhood.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
An FIR has been filed at the Kavi Nagar police station, and legal proceedings are ongoing. Investigators are now tracing the money trail, victim list, and possible international connections tied to the case.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have interacted with Jain or fallen victim to his schemes to come forward.
The arrest of Harsh Vardhan Jain has exposed the dark underbelly of diplomatic impersonation and international scams flourishing under fake identities. As cybercrime and diplomatic fraud evolve, this case stands as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, verification, and strong legal oversight.
The investigation continues.