Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – In a case that reads like a Hollywood crime thriller, Harshvardhan Jain, a self-styled diplomat and alleged mastermind, has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) for running a fake embassy and masterminding a massive ₹300 crore scam through an intricate web of shell companies, forged documents, and international deceit.
The raid at Jain’s rented bungalow in Ghaziabad has blown the lid off what is now being dubbed the “Fake Envoy Scam”, involving 162 foreign trips, 25 overseas shell companies, multiple fake diplomatic passports, and bogus embassies of non-existent micronations.
Table of Contents
Who is Harshvardhan Jain? The Discovery of the Fake Embassy in Ghaziabad What are Micronations? The ₹300 Crore Scam: How Jain Duped Victims Shell Companies and Foreign Bank Accounts Links to Controversial Figures and International Scam Rings Fake Diplomatic Credentials and Seized Items STF Investigation and Legal Action Official Response from Westarctica and Other Micronations Conclusion: The Broader Impact of Diplomatic Fraud
1. Who is Harshvardhan Jain?
Harshvardhan Jain, 47, hails from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and has a checkered past. He came under law enforcement radar as early as 2011 when he was arrested for possession of illegal satellite phones, a crime often linked to espionage and illegal communication.
Over the next decade, Jain managed to project himself as an international diplomat, traveling extensively, forging connections, and living a lavish lifestyle funded by deception and fraud. He claimed to represent micronations such as Westarctica, Saborga, Ladonia, and Poulvia — obscure, self-declared entities with no real sovereignty.
2. The Discovery of the Fake Embassy in Ghaziabad
In July 2025, acting on a tip-off, the Uttar Pradesh STF raided a bungalow in the upscale Kavi Nagar area of Ghaziabad. To their astonishment, the property was being run as a full-fledged “embassy” complete with:
Fake diplomatic flags Luxury vehicles with forged diplomatic license plates A signboard identifying it as the “Embassy of Westarctica” Dozens of forged documents and fake diplomatic paraphernalia
This fake embassy had been operating for over 7 years, fooling many individuals into believing it was an authentic diplomatic mission.
3. What are Micronations?
Micronations are self-declared entities that claim to be independent nations but lack legal recognition from any country or international organization. Examples include Westarctica, which claims land in Antarctica, and Ladonia, a tongue-in-cheek nation in Sweden.
Harshvardhan Jain exploited these obscure entities to pose as their ambassador or consul general, printing fake passports, visa stamps, and even diplomatic immunity documents to appear legitimate.
4. The ₹300 Crore Scam: How Jain Duped Victims
According to the STF, Jain used his fake diplomatic identity to run a multi-crore scam, primarily by:
Promising overseas employment and investment opportunities through the fake embassy. Charging hefty fees for bogus diplomatic visas, citizenship, and real estate in micronations. Facilitating fraudulent loan arrangements and earning brokerage commissions. Involvement in hawala operations for money laundering.
Investigators believe Jain, with associates, earned ₹300 crore (approximately £25 million) through these illicit activities over several years.
5. Shell Companies and Foreign Bank Accounts
The economic intelligence unit of STF discovered that Jain had set up 25 shell companies in countries including:
United Kingdom United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mauritius Cameroon South Africa
Some of these firms include:
East India Company UK Ltd Island General Trading Co LLC
Additionally, Jain had 10 overseas bank accounts:
6 in Dubai 3 in the UK 1 in Mauritius
These accounts were allegedly used for routing funds, laundering money, and hiding illegal proceeds from Indian tax authorities.
6. Links to Controversial Figures and International Scam Rings
Jain’s network extended beyond national borders. During the raid, police found photographs and evidence linking him to:
Chandraswami – A controversial godman with international connections. Adnan Khashoggi – The late Saudi arms dealer known for global arms scandals. Ahsan Ali Syed – An Indian-origin man who later took Turkish citizenship, accused of several financial frauds across Europe.
These associations hint at Jain’s involvement in a larger scam network with possible international ramifications.
7. Fake Diplomatic Credentials and Seized Items
The STF seized significant evidence during the raid, including:
₹44 lakh in cash and foreign currencies 4 luxury vehicles (BMW, Mercedes) with fake diplomatic plates 12 fake diplomatic passports 18 forged license plates 34 fake stamps and forged MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) seals Documents of shell companies Fake PAN cards and voter IDs Expensive watches, gadgets, and foreign goods
These findings confirm that Jain went to great lengths to maintain the illusion of being a legitimate diplomat.
8. STF Investigation and Legal Action
The Special Task Force has filed an FIR under IPC sections for:
Cheating (Section 420) Forgery (Section 468) Impersonation (Section 419) Criminal conspiracy (Section 120B)
Jain is currently in custodial remand, with STF officers probing:
His financial transactions The identity of victims who paid him Possible links to international crime syndicates The source of forged documents
Authorities are also verifying whether Jain used his fake diplomatic immunity to avoid customs checks and smuggle goods or money.
9. Official Response from Westarctica and Other Micronations
Following the raid, the Westarctica government issued a statement saying:
“Mr. Jain was only an honorary consul without any real authority. He had no permission to issue passports or conduct diplomatic affairs. We have terminated his association and are fully cooperating with Indian authorities.”
This statement reveals how Jain exploited loose structures of micronations to fool people and create a façade of legitimacy.
10. Conclusion: The Broader Impact of Diplomatic Fraud
The Harshvardhan Jain scam is a wake-up call for Indian and international authorities about diplomatic fraud and micronation misuse. With the rise of fake embassies, bogus diplomats, and shell firms, such scams threaten not just financial security but also national integrity.
Authorities must tighten verification processes, especially for:
Diplomatic license plates Foreign bank accounts Micronation links
Meanwhile, the public is advised to remain vigilant and verify credentials before engaging in any international job offers, investment schemes, or diplomatic services.