Diplomatic number plates, morphed photos with PM: How Harshvardhan Jain ran a fake embassy from rented Ghaziabad bungalow

As per initial probe, Jain was involved in brokering deals by falsely promising job placements for companies and individuals in foreign countries

Harshvardhan Jain’s name is in the spotlight after he was arrested on Tuesday from Ghaziabad for running a fake embassy. The Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) has recovered Rs 44.7 lakh in cash along with foreign currency of several countries, exposing one of the most daring con in the recent memory – a fake embassy of ‘Westarctica’.

Jain had set up a fake “consulate” from a rented home in Kavi Nagar, using forged Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) documents, fraudulent diplomatic number plates, counterfeit passports of made-up nations, and even bogus press credentials.

“Jain claimed to be the consul or ambassador of Westarctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia -- none of which are recognised as sovereign nations,” SSP Sushil Ghule, who led the STF raid was quoted as saying by CNN-News18. “He used diplomatic insignias and paraphernalia to create an illusion of official legitimacy,” he added further.

After his arrest on Tuesday, authorities seized four vehicles with fake diplomatic plates, 12 counterfeit diplomatic passports from fictitious micronations, forged documents bearing the MEA seal, two fake PAN cards, 34 rubber stamps from various countries and organisations, and two fake press cards.

The STF also recovered Rs 44.7 lakh in cash, foreign currency, documents related to multiple companies, and 18 fake diplomatic number plates, according to a PTI report.

As per initial probe, Jain was involved in brokering deals by falsely promising job placements for companies and individuals in foreign countries, the STF’s Noida unit said. The agency further stated that Jain is suspected to be involved in running a hawala racket through shell companies, noting that the accused used morphed photos showing him with the prime minister, the president, and other dignitaries to mislead people.

“He ran a broker network. People believed his promises because he looked the part -- from fancy cars to custom-made diplomatic suits,” ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash told CNN-News18.

An FIR has been lodged at Kavi Nagar police station, and further proceedings are currently underway in the case.

“His so-called embassy may be gone,” an STF officer told CNN-News18, “but we’re still uncovering just how far this diplomatic fraud stretched.”

During questioning, it came to light that the accused had associations with controversial godman Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi in the past – raising red flags about his associations.

In 2011, Jain was arrested after an illegal satellite phone was recovered from him – which happens to be a serious offence under Indian law. The case still remains pending.

The STF is now investigating whether Jain operated alone or had support in India or abroad, and how extensive his fraud network might be. Investigators are also analysing his online activity, with a focus on the social media platforms he used to bolster his image.