How Harshvardhan Jain, ‘Ambassador Of Westarctica’, Became The Ultimate Con Star Of Ghaziabad

Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 17:19 IST

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), which arrested Harshvardhan Jain, said he was running a full-fledged fake “consulate” from his bungalow

Harshvardhan Jain styled himself as a diplomat of fictitious nations. (News18)

Who is Harshvardhan Jain? Until Tuesday, most people — even in his own Ghaziabad neighbourhood — barely knew. But now, the man who styled himself as a diplomat of fictitious nations and flaunted morphed photos with India’s most powerful leaders, stands exposed as the mastermind behind one of the most audacious cons in recent memory: a fake embassy of ‘Westarctica’ operating from a rented home in Kavi Nagar.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), which arrested Jain on Tuesday, said he was running a full-fledged “consulate" from his bungalow, complete with diplomatic number plates, forged Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) documents, fake passports of non-existent countries, and even bogus press credentials.

“Jain claimed to be the consul or ambassador of Westarctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia — none of which are recognised as sovereign nations," said SSP Sushil Ghule, who led the STF raid. “He used diplomatic insignias and paraphernalia to create an illusion of official legitimacy," he added.

What was found in the raid?

During the raid conducted by the STF at Harshvardhan Jain’s rented residence in Kavi Nagar, officers uncovered a stunning array of forged diplomatic paraphernalia and illegal assets. The team seized Rs 44.7 lakh in cash, along with foreign currency from several countries. Four high-end luxury vehicles were recovered, all bearing fake diplomatic number plates. In total, 18 such forged number plates were found. Additionally, the STF recovered 12 counterfeit diplomatic passports linked to various unrecognised micronations, including Westarctica and Saborga.

The search also led to the discovery of forged documents bearing the seal of the MEA, 34 rubber stamps of foreign countries and reputed companies, two fake PAN cards, two bogus press credentials, and company records believed to be part of shell firms used in money laundering. According to officers, Jain had meticulously created the illusion of a legitimate diplomatic mission, complete with national flags, official-looking insignias, and even an office setup to mislead visitors and potential clients.

How was illusion of Westarctica created?

Jain’s most elaborate hoax was his association with Westarctica — a self-declared micronation founded in 2001 by a former US Navy officer claiming a slice of unclaimed Antarctic land. Despite having no legal recognition, Westarctica maintains an online presence, and even its official Instagram handle had recently described Jain as “Baron HV Jain," running the Consulate-General of Westarctica in New Delhi since 2017.

“He used that social media legitimacy as a shield," a senior STF officer said. “He’d boast of charity events and diplomatic engagements, though none were real."

What was Jain’s motive?

Behind the theatrics was a more sinister racket. Jain allegedly promised overseas job placements and business opportunities in foreign countries. He took large sums from private individuals and companies, claiming to get them special diplomatic permissions or international licenses.

“He ran a broker network. People believed his promises because he looked the part — from fancy cars to custom-made diplomatic suits," said ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash.

More troubling, Jain is suspected of running a hawala racket through a web of shell companies, some of which were used to move money under the guise of international development or investment.

Jain has a shadowy past

This isn’t Jain’s first brush with the law. Back in 2011, he was arrested after an illegal satellite phone was recovered from him — a serious offence under Indian law. That case, registered at the same Kavi Nagar police station, is still pending.

Investigators also claim that Jain had previously been associated with controversial godman Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, raising red flags about his past affiliations and the possible international links of his fraud.

“Whether or not he had actual links with these figures, the fact that he leveraged those names shows how calculated he was," said an STF official.

What makes a real embassy?

In light of the bust, police officials clarified what a legitimate embassy or consulate entails.

“A diplomatic mission is set up by a recognised government to represent its political, economic, and consular interests in another sovereign country," said ADG Yash. “They issue visas, assist nationals, promote bilateral trade, and maintain international relations. Jain’s operation had no such authority."

STF officials are now examining whether Jain had accomplices in India or abroad, and how many people he may have defrauded. They’re also reviewing his digital footprint, especially social media handles that helped him project credibility.

“People assume what they see online is real — Jain weaponised that assumption," said an officer involved in the probe.

Has an FIR been lodged?

An FIR has been lodged at the Kavi Nagar police station under sections related to forgery, impersonation, cheating, and violating the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act. Jain remains in custody, and investigations are ongoing.

“His so-called embassy may be gone," said an STF officer, “but we’re still uncovering just how far this diplomatic fraud stretched."

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