Ghaziabad: In a dramatic operation, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Tuesday busted a fake embassy being run from a rented house in the Kavi Nagar area of Ghaziabad. The STF arrested Harshvardhan Jain, who had created an elaborate web of deception by posing as a diplomat from fictitious countries and using his fake credentials to carry out fraudulent activities.
According to STF Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Ghule, Harshvardhan had been operating under the name of the “West Arctic Embassy,” a non-existent nation. He claimed to represent other imaginary countries as well, including Saborga, Pulawavia, and Lodonia. The accused had set up what appeared to be a full-fledged diplomatic mission, complete with foreign flags outside his home, cars with diplomatic-style number plates, and documents forged with the seal of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The STF raid uncovered a staggering cache of fraudulent materials and luxury items. Officers recovered Rs 44.70 lakh in cash, fake diplomatic passports from so-called micronations, multiple forged stamps of various international entities, and fake press and PAN cards. Authorities also seized four luxury vehicles with VIP and diplomatic-style plates, foreign currency from various countries, and 18 fake diplomatic number plates.
Investigators say Harshvardhan used morphed photographs of himself with the Prime Minister, the President, and other prominent figures to create an image of legitimacy. His primary activities included acting as a middleman for companies and individuals, offering to help them secure international business deals. He allegedly used shell companies to channel illegal money transfers through hawala networks.
The operation was initiated after the STF tipped off central intelligence agencies and the Ministry of External Affairs about suspicious diplomatic activity in Ghaziabad. After confirmation that no such countries or diplomatic missions existed, the STF moved in and arrested Harshvardhan.
During preliminary questioning, Harshvardhan admitted to orchestrating the entire scheme to build influence and dupe people. He confessed to installing diplomatic flags at his residence and using fake number plates to give the appearance of being an international diplomat. From this fake embassy, he ran a network of fraud, illicit brokerage, and hawala operations.
The STF is continuing its investigation to determine how many individuals and companies were defrauded and whether Harshvardhan had any accomplices or links to larger international criminal syndicates. Central agencies are expected to join the probe in the coming days.
