In a brazen scam that could be straight out of a political thriller, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have dismantled a sophisticated fake embassy operation run from a rented bungalow in Ghaziabad's Kavi Nagar area. The alleged mastermind, 47-year-old Harshvardhan Jain, was arrested on July 22, 2025, after police uncovered an elaborate setup that included luxury vehicles with counterfeit diplomatic number plates, forged documents, and even digitally altered photographs showing Jain with prominent Indian and international leaders.
The Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF), acting on intelligence from central agencies, conducted a late-night raid on the premises, revealing a trove of fraudulent materials. These included 18 fake diplomatic plates, 12 counterfeit diplomatic passports linked to fictitious micronations, 34 forged official seals, fake Ministry of External Affairs documents, two fake PAN cards, forged press cards, and a staggering Rs 44.7 lakh in cash along with foreign currency. The luxury cars parked outside lent an air of legitimacy to the operation, which Jain used to dupe individuals and companies alike.
Jain, who hails from an affluent industrialist family in Ghaziabad, reportedly converted the bungalow into a so-called embassy representing several non-existent countries such as West Arctica, Seborga, Poulbia, and Londonia. None of these micronations have any legal standing under international law. He styled himself as "H.E. HV Jain," a title typically reserved for bona fide ambassadors, and adorned his residence with national flags to bolster the illusion.
Authorities disclosed that Jain used digitally manipulated photos featuring himself alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and other global dignitaries to gain trust and credibility. This visual deception was key to luring job seekers with promises of overseas employment and enticing businesspersons with offers of international deals and government contracts abroad.
Senior police officials, including Additional Director General Amitabh Yash, described the operation as an extraordinary "theatre of deception." They revealed that Jain had been running the bogus embassy from the rented house, projecting himself as a consul or ambassador of these fictitious nations. The police also recovered evidence suggesting his involvement in a hawala money laundering network, facilitated through several shell companies established in London, Gulf countries, and Africa.
Jain's background adds an intriguing layer to the case. Educated with a BBA from Ghaziabad and an MBA from London, he once belonged to a family that operated a successful marble business in Rajasthan. However, financial setbacks and the death of his father reportedly altered his trajectory. He was known to have close ties with the late controversial godman Chandraswami, and reports suggest that Chandraswami helped facilitate Jain’s relocation to London. There, Jain mingled with influential figures, including the notorious international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi.
His criminal record includes a 2011 charge for illegally possessing a satellite phone, and investigators are now exploring whether his recent activities were part of a larger international network or if he operated largely alone. The STF suspects that Jain’s fraudulent activities date back to at least 2017 and were masked under the guise of charity events and diplomatic outreach.
During questioning, Jain admitted to impersonating diplomats from the fake micronations and running the embassy scam to swindle money by promising jobs and business opportunities overseas. Police also discovered that he used forged documents bearing the Ministry of External Affairs’ seal, fake diplomatic passports, and rubber stamps from various countries and organizations.
The police registered an FIR at the Kavi Nagar police station, and the case is now under further investigation. Authorities believe more individuals may be involved, and they are coordinating with central and international agencies to uncover the full scope of the scam. The seizure of luxury vehicles, fake diplomatic plates, and a large cache of forged documents underscores the scale and audacity of the operation.
The scam has grabbed national attention, highlighting the growing problem of fake embassies and visa frauds that prey on vulnerable job seekers and businesses hoping to expand internationally. A recent report by Newshour Agenda described the racket as a "world-class" diplomatic setup that lured dozens into a global trap with forged documents and bogus visa approvals.
Harshvardhan Jain’s arrest sends a strong message about the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in tackling such elaborate frauds. Yet, the case also raises questions about how such operations can flourish undetected for years, exploiting the aspirations of many. As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of diplomatic and visa-related offers.
With the ongoing probe, the police hope to dismantle any remaining networks linked to Jain and bring all those involved to justice. The Ghaziabad fake embassy bust stands as a stark reminder of the lengths to which fraudsters will go to deceive and the importance of robust checks to protect citizens from such scams.
