Fake Embassy Busted in Ghaziabad, Man Running 'West Arctica' Consulate Held by UP STF

The Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force arrested a man named Harsh Vardhan Jain for running a fake embassy in Ghaziabad. Jain claimed to be a diplomat of a non-existent "West Arctica" and was involved in brokering deals and running a hawala racket. He used morphed photos and fake diplomatic number plates to mislead people. Seized items include fake diplomatic passports, documents, and cash. Jain had past associations with controversial figures such as Chandraswami and Adnan Khashoggi.

The Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Harsh Vardhan Jain for operating a fake embassy in Ghaziabad, claiming to be a diplomat of the non-existent "Westarctica." Jain was involved in brokering fake job deals and running a hawala racket, using forged documents and fake diplomatic plates to mislead people [1][2].

The STF discovered a luxurious double-storeyed building in Ghaziabad where Jain had set up the "embassy" of Westarctica, a micronation founded by a US Navy officer, Travis McHenry. Jain, who introduced himself as "Baron HV Jain," used morphed pictures with state leaders to gain credibility in elite circles. He also distributed food to the local population, allegedly using this as a cover for his illegal activities [1].

Jain was arrested on Tuesday, and the STF seized four high-end cars with fake diplomatic number plates, 12 forged diplomatic passports of various micronations, documents with stamps of the External Affairs Ministry, and Rs 44 lakh in cash. The STF also recovered 18 fake diplomatic number plates and foreign currency [1][2].

The STF's investigation revealed that Jain had associations with controversial figures such as Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Jain was previously booked in 2011 for illegally possessing a satellite phone [1][2].

This incident highlights the growing trend of fake embassies and diplomatic impersonation, posing significant threats to national security and public trust. The Uttar Pradesh Police is continuing its investigation, and further proceedings are underway [1][2].

References:
[1] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/westarctica-fake-embassy-busted-near-delhi-has-cars-with-diplomatic-plates-8930584/amp/1
[2] https://m.economictimes.com/nri/latest-updates/fake-embassy-busted-in-ghaziabad-man-arrested-for-posing-as-diplomat-of-imaginary-countries/articleshow/122854167.cms