Fake embassy of 'Westarctica' busted in India: Mastermind behind the scam arrested

Dubai: In a shocking development near India's capital, Delhi, authorities have dismantled a fake embassy operation in Ghaziabad, leading to the arrest of its alleged mastermind. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) uncovered an elaborate setup complete with high-end cars sporting diplomatic number plates, fake diplomatic passports, morphed pictures with state leaders, and foreign currency, all serving as a front for a job racket and money laundering network.

Harsvardhan Jain, the alleged orchestrator, had rented a luxurious double-storeyed building in Ghaziabad's Kavi Nagar area. He presented it as the embassy of 'Westarctica,' a 'micronation' founded by a US Navy officer that is not recognised by any sovereign state and claims a portion of Antarctica. Jain allegedly expanded his fictitious diplomatic network, also claiming to represent other unrecognised entities such as Seborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia, portraying himself as their consul or ambassador.

The STF raid yielded a significant haul: Rs 44.7 lakh (Dh 192,210) in cash, foreign currency from multiple countries, 12 fake diplomatic passports supposedly issued by these imaginary states, and forged documents bearing fake seals of the Ministry of External Affairs. Authorities also seized two fake PAN cards, 34 counterfeit seals from various countries and companies, two fake press cards, and company records designed to mislead victims. Four vehicles fitted with fake diplomatic number plates were also recovered.

Investigations into Jain's activities revealed a widespread job racket, luring unsuspecting individuals with promises of work abroad through these fraudulent diplomatic channels. According to the reports, he is also suspected of being involved in a larger money laundering network, operating through shell companies. Further details emerging from the probe indicate Jain's past connections with international figures like Chandraswami and Adnan Khagoshi, an international arms dealer. It was also noted that Jain had previously been found with illegal satellite phones in 2011, with a case registered against him at the Kavi Nagar police station.

This bust highlights the increasing audacity of fraudsters using elaborate schemes to deceive the public. A case has been registered at the Kavi Nagar police station, and further legal proceedings are underway as authorities delve deeper into the full extent of this elaborate scam.