Fake Embassy Scam: Harshvardhan Jain’s Rs 300 Crore Fraud, 162 Foreign Trips, and Westarctica ‘Consul’ Exposed
In a stunning case that blends fake diplomacy, high-profile connections, and international fraud, Harshvardhan Jain has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) for running a fake embassy out of a rented house in Ghaziabad for nearly eight years. The scandal, which has shocked authorities and the public alike, involves a job racket, money laundering, and links to controversial global figures.
Jain, the self-styled “Honorary Consul” of a fictitious entity called the Grand Duchy of Westarctica, is accused of masterminding a scam estimated to be worth ₹300 crore, involving 162 foreign trips, fake diplomatic documents, luxury cars with bogus diplomatic plates, and a sprawling international money laundering network.
The Fake Embassy in Ghaziabad
The two-storey building in Ghaziabad that Jain rented six months ago bore all the trappings of a diplomatic mission — flags of India and Westarctica, a board claiming “Grand Duchy of Westarctica – Embassy of India” and the name “H.E. HV Jain, Honorary Consul.” The building frequently hosted charity events and bhandaras (community feasts) to maintain an illusion of legitimacy.
Inside, STF officials found fake diplomatic number plates, forged documents, luxury watches, and high-end vehicles. According to officials, Jain had used this façade since 2017 to project himself as a global figure with diplomatic immunity and influence.
₹300 Crore Scam and the Shell Company Network
Authorities believe Jain operated an elaborate job racket under the guise of his fake embassy. He lured unsuspecting victims with promises of overseas employment, leveraging the false impression of consular backing and influence.
Further investigation revealed that Jain had partnered with Ahsan Ali Sayed, a Hyderabad-born conman who later took Turkish citizenship. Together, they reportedly floated 25 shell companies to launder money through the hawala route. These companies were fronts for illicit transactions and international brokerage scams.
Sayed, now arrested in London, ran a Swiss-based company called Western Advisory Group, which acted as a facilitator for international loans and collected hefty commissions, defrauding clients of up to 25 million pounds (approx. ₹300 crore) before vanishing from Switzerland.
High-Profile Links: Chandraswami and Adnan Khashoggi
During the raid, police found photographs of Jain with notorious godman Chandraswami and Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Chandraswami, known for his influence over Indian politicians in the 80s and 90s, was himself embroiled in various financial scandals and was accused of having a role in the funding of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination.
Investigators believe that it was Chandraswami who first introduced Jain to Sayed and Khashoggi, linking Jain to an elite circle of international fraudsters. These connections gave Jain credibility among his victims and helped him present himself as a powerful global operator.
162 Foreign Trips and Offshore Accounts
Jain’s passport showed a staggering 162 international trips in 10 years, raising suspicions about his frequent travel patterns and the scale of his operations. STF officers also found evidence of multiple foreign bank accounts, believed to be used to park laundered funds and illegal commissions.
Westarctica Responds: “We Were Misled”
Following Jain’s arrest, Westarctica, the so-called micronation from which Jain falsely claimed diplomatic status, issued a statement distancing itself from him.
Founded in 2001 by Travis McHenry, a U.S. Navy officer, Westarctica claims 620,000 square miles in Antarctica and operates as a non-profit environmental group. Though it has a flag, currency, and ceremonial titles, it is not recognized by any sovereign state.
In its statement, Westarctica clarified that Jain had made a donation in 2016 and was given the ceremonial title of “Honorary Consul to India” — a symbolic volunteer role with no real power or permission to use diplomatic plates or operate an “embassy.”
“He was never granted the position or authority of ‘ambassador’. By calling his home an ‘embassy’, Mr. Jain was in violation of Westarctica’s protocols,” the statement read.
Jain has now been indefinitely suspended from any association with the group.
Legal Action and Way Forward
The UP STF plans to seek extended custody of Jain to interrogate him further and trace the full extent of the scam. Officials are also coordinating with Interpol, the Ministry of External Affairs, and financial intelligence agencies to follow the international money trail.
A senior STF officer stated, “This is one of the most unusual and complex scams we’ve seen. Jain’s use of a fake diplomatic identity and connection to international fraudsters indicates an organised racket that may have more players involved.”
Conclusion
The Harshvardhan Jain fake embassy case reveals alarming gaps in oversight and the ease with which individuals can manipulate diplomatic symbols to commit massive fraud. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to shed more light on the nexus between fake diplomacy, cross-border laundering, and high-level deception.
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