BY NITIN SABRANGI – SENIOR REPORTER
In a dramatic crackdown that shocked even seasoned investigators, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) recently uncovered a sprawling fake embassy operation in Ghaziabad’s posh Kavinagar area. As this reporter stood outside bungalow number KB-35, a lavish three-storey mansion adorned with the unfamiliar flag of a so-called nation West Arctica. STF officials were seen cordoning off the area and carting away bundles of seized evidence.
The man behind the massive fraud, Harshvardhan Jain, 47, was arrested on the spot. Jain had styled himself as an ambassador for imaginary and non-recognized countries like West Arctica, Seborga, Pawvlia, and Ladonia. The STF team, led by Deputy SP Rajkumar Mishra, entered the premises early in the morning, where they discovered a treasure trove of forged documents, luxury vehicles, and diplomatic props.
Mishra said “we found 12 fake diplomatic passports, four luxury cars with diplomatic number plates, ₹44.7 lakh in cash, foreign currency worth ₹30 lakh, and even fake stamps from 34 countries,” Mishra told the media at the scene. “It’s no less than a Hollywood movie set,” he added, pointing to photoshopped portraits of Jain shaking hands with high-profile figures including the Prime Minister and President, all used to dupe gullible citizens.
Jain’s modus operandi was both audacious and chillingly effective. He would invite local residents to his so-called “embassy”, promise overseas jobs and business opportunities, and even organize community feasts (bhandaras) to gain popularity in the neighbourhood. A flag of West Arctica fluttered proudly at the gate, giving the illusion of diplomatic legitimacy. Further investigation revealed that Jain had travelled 162 times to countries including the UAE, UK, Mauritius, Turkey, and Switzerland over the past decade.
He was also operating 25 shell companies, reportedly with Ehsaan Ali Syed, to launder black money through hawala channels. The STF has also confirmed his past links with notorious godman Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Notably, a case had already been filed against Jain back in 2011 for possessing an illegal satellite phone. As the STF officers continued their search, whispers among the crowd gathered outside the bungalow turned into murmurs of disbelief.
“He looked like a big man, always well-dressed, talking about foreign countries. Who knew it was all a lie?” a local resident said. Jain, who holds an MBA from ITS, Ghaziabad, and also studied in London’s College of Applied Science, allegedly turned to fraud after suffering financial setbacks following his father’s death. His father had owned a large marble mining business.
On July 22, Jain was taken into judicial custody, and the STF has filed for police remand, with the hearing scheduled for July 28. The agency has also initiated the process of issuing an Interpol Blue Corner Notice. Deputy SP Mishra confirmed that Jain’s foreign bank accounts and international links are now under close scrutiny. As I watched the STF team exit the premises with cartons of fake documents, one thing was clear this wasn’t just a local scam, but a global fraud playing out in the heart of Ghaziabad.
