Fake Diplomatic Racket Busted in Ghaziabad: Man Posed as Ambassador of Fictional Micronations for a Decade
Ghaziabad, In a case that reads like a page from a spy novel, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has uncovered an elaborate and long-running fraud operation involving a fake embassy in one of Ghaziabad’s most upscale localities — Kavi Nagar.
The man behind this extraordinary deception is 47-year-old Harshvardhan Jain, who had been masquerading as an ambassador of multiple self-declared micronations and using that false identity to cheat individuals and businesses alike.
Operating out of a lavish white-painted bungalow, Jain went to astonishing lengths to give his fake diplomatic mission an air of legitimacy.
For nearly ten years, his ruse continued undetected, with Jain enjoying the trappings of fake statehood while duping people with dreams of overseas jobs, foreign investments, and government contracts in imaginary countries.
The ‘Ambassador’ of Micronations
According to STF officials and senior police authorities, Harshvardhan Jain presented himself as an official envoy of several unrecognised, fictional entities, including:
- Westarctica: A self-proclaimed micronation claiming sovereignty over a portion of western Antarctica.
- Seborga: A small village in Italy that claims independence from the Italian state.
- Ladonia: A symbolic micronation based in Sweden.
- Poulvia: An entirely fictitious entity created by Jain himself.
Though none of these “nations” are recognised by the Government of India or any sovereign state,
Jain portrayed himself as their ambassador or consul, claiming to have high-level diplomatic connections. Authorities confirmed that India does not recognise any of these so-called micronations, nor does it permit such foreign missions within its territory.
Inside the Fake Embassy
Investigators were stunned to discover how Jain transformed his rented bungalow into a full-fledged fake embassy. The house was adorned with flags of various countries, complete with luxury vehicles parked outside, bearing forged diplomatic license plates.
Inside, the décor and documents mirrored that of a real diplomatic mission, including:
- Forged Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seals
- Counterfeit diplomatic passports
- Dozens of fake visas and immigration stamps
- Official-looking stationery and letterheads bearing logos of fake micronations
Police sources say Jain even fabricated foreign appointments, claiming to be an “advisor” to the Principality of Seborga since 2012 and an “honorary consul” of Westarctica since 2016.
Modus Operandi: Fake Influence, Real Victims
Jain’s strategy was calculated and persuasive. He exploited people’s aspirations for international work, business deals, or status, presenting himself as a powerful intermediary capable of arranging foreign assignments, facilitating trade agreements, or even enabling access to global government programs.
He charged hefty “processing fees” or commissions for his so-called diplomatic services, offering no real outcomes. His victims ranged from corporate clients seeking foreign contracts to young professionals looking for employment abroad — all enticed by the illusion of legitimate diplomatic channels.
According to ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash, Jain’s operation had been running for nearly a decade without coming under the radar of local enforcement, thanks to his careful staging and seemingly international connections.
Legal Action and Charges
The Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Harshvardhan Jain on Wednesday following a detailed investigation. A case has been registered under multiple sections related to fraud, impersonation, forgery, and cheating.
The seized items from the bungalow will be subject to forensic examination, and authorities are working to identify and contact those who may have been victims of the scam.
Law enforcement agencies are also probing how Jain managed to evade scrutiny for so long and whether any accomplices or enablers were involved. The investigation may extend to financial fraud, cyber impersonation, and international liaisons, as authorities explore the full scale of Jain’s deception.
This incident highlights the rising threat of sophisticated social engineering scams that use symbols of authority, such as diplomatic titles, to create false legitimacy. The case has prompted renewed calls for stricter verification of so-called international organisations operating on Indian soil.
