Indian police have arrested Harshvardhan Jain, a 47-year-old man accused of running a fake embassy from a rented property in Ghaziabad, near New Delhi, for almost eight years.
Jain allegedly posed as an ambassador or advisor to fictional micronations such as Seborga, Westarctica, and Poulbia Lodonia, using these identities to lure job seekers with fake promises of overseas employment. Victims were reportedly asked to pay in exchange for these fake opportunities.
Details of Fake Embassy Raid
The arrest, made public on July 23, 2025, followed a raid where authorities uncovered:
- 4.5 million INR (≈$52,000 USD) in cash
- Multiple foreign currencies
- Four luxury cars with fake diplomatic plates
- 12 fake passports
- Forged foreign ministry seals from India and dozens of countries
- Doctored photos with world leaders
- Multiple international flags meant to simulate a real embassy
According to officials, Jain created an elaborate illusion of legitimacy to gain victims’ trust. His apparent background—a London MBA and connections through his industrialist family—helped him appear credible.
Authorities also discovered evidence of a hawala network, indicating illegal money transfers using shell companies abroad. Jain has been charged with forgery, impersonation, and possession of fraudulent documents.
The micronation Westarctica, one of the entities Jain falsely claimed to represent, clarified that while he had once donated and been named an “honorary consul,” he had no authority to produce official documents or represent them diplomatically.
Online, reactions have ranged from shock to sarcasm, with many stunned at the mention of entirely fictional nations being part of the scam.
What’s Next
The case has reignited conversations about loopholes in oversight, especially around scams exploiting vulnerable people searching for jobs. Indian authorities have said investigations are ongoing to identify the full scope of victims and collaborators.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 26th, 2025
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