At comfort of his knowledge and mind, a man chose to have a fake Embassy running for more than 7 years without being traced.
A fake embassy in Ghaziabad, near Delhi, India, was discovered, operated by Harshvardhan Jain, who was involved in a job scam and money laundering using diplomatic cover.
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force recovered diplomatic cars, passports, stamps, cash, foreign currency, and luxury items from the fake embassy.
Jain used a rented property as a consulate, displaying flags and luxury cars to create a diplomatic facade, and organized charity events to maintain the illusion.
Harshvardhan has a shady past, with links to controversial figures like Chandraswami and Adnan Khashoggi, and was previously involved in a police case for possessing a satellite phone.
Jain was identified as the Consul-General of the Grand Duchy of Westarctica, a micronation not recognized by any country, and organized community feasts as part of his activities.
Westarctica, founded by Travis McHenry, claims sovereignty over a part of Antarctica, operates as a non-profit, and issues unrecognized titles, similar to other micronations.
THE ILLUSION OF LEGITIMACY
India today Quotes: From 2012 onward, Jain aggressively cultivated his fake diplomatic image. By associating himself with unrecognised micronations and creating a false narrative of being a high-ranking diplomat, he conned individuals and businesses into parting with large sums in return for job placements, contracts, and favours that never materialised.
A new FIR has been filed against Harshavardhan Jain at Kavi Nagar Police Station under several sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) including fraud and misrepresentation. Authorities confirmed that further legal proceedings will be carried out by the local police.
The STF emphasised that Jain’s arrest has disrupted a major racket where symbols of international diplomacy were misused to create a facade of power and influence. The agency has warned citizens against falling prey to such fabricated diplomatic personas and urged them to verify all credentials with legitimate authorities.
