Ghaziabad 'micronation' scam: Man sets up fake embassies of fictional nations, claims ties with ‘Seborga’, ‘West Arctica’ & 'Lodonia'; luxury watches, diplomatic number plates, forged IDs seized

NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown, the Noida unit of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has busted an illegal “embassy” being operated out of a rented house in the Kavi Nagar area of Ghaziabad.

As per news agency ANI, Harsh Vardhan Jain, the accused, was arrested for allegedly running a fake diplomatic mission under the guise of representing fictional countries such as West Arctica, Seborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia.According to additional director general (Law and Order) of Uttar Pradesh Police, Jain presented himself as a consul or ambassador of these so-called "micronations" and moved around in cars fitted with fake diplomatic number plates.

A total of four such vehicles were seized during the STF raid.

The STF recovered Rs 44,70,000 in cash, along with foreign currency of multiple countries. They also seize 12 fake diplomatic passports supposedly issued by these imaginary states.In addition, the following items were recovered:

The STF said Jain had been using these forged identities and documents to deceive individuals with promises of international job placements, fake diplomatic status, and other fraudulent claims.(With agency inputs)