The Noida Unit of the UP STF unearthed a massive fraud operation in the Kavinagar area of Ghaziabad. A posh house, cleverly masquerading as an embassy at plot KB-35, was discovered. The grandeur of the white building, luxury cars with blue license plates, and flags of various countries outside could convincingly deceive anyone into believing it to be a legitimate foreign embassy.
The prime suspect, Harshvardhan Jain, posed as an ambassador to micronations like West Arctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia. He used fake photographs with prestigious figures like Prime Ministers and Presidents to present himself as influential on an international level. Jain orchestrated scams under the pretense of providing jobs abroad and was involved in a hawala racket through shell companies.
What Was Found in the STF Raid?
The joint action by the UP STF (Noida Unit) and Kavinagar police uncovered extensive amounts of fake documents and suspicious materials. This included four luxury cars with diplomatic plates, twelve diplomatic passports from micronations, eighteen diplomatic number plates, documents bearing seals of the foreign ministry, bogus stamps from various countries and companies, cash amounting to 4.47 million, and foreign currency, along with satellite phones. The suspect's cars are currently impounded at Kavinagar police station.
Previous Criminal Record Revealed
Investigations revealed that Harshvardhan had a prior criminal case against him from 2011, when a satellite phone was also seized from him. His connections allegedly extend to figures like Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi.
Interrogation Underway, Gang Search Initiated
Harshvardhan Jain is currently under interrogation. The UP STF Noida Unit is probing whether Jain operated this entire racket alone or if an organized gang is also involved.
Fraudulent 'Ambassador' Scams on an International Scale
Police disclosed that Harshvardhan Jain exploited self-declared micronations to establish and bolster his international presence. In 2012, a micronation named SEBORGA appointed him as an advisor. Subsequently, in 2016, West Arctica named him an unpaid ambassador. POULBIA and LODONIA were among other micronations that offered him 'diplomatic' titles. Leveraging these fictional positions, Jain enticed individuals with promises of overseas employment, amassing substantial fees. To appear powerful, he decorated his rented bungalow in Ghaziabad with numerous flags and utilized cars with diplomatic plates. From this faux embassy, he operated his fraudulent schemes and indulged in brokerage and hawala transactions.
