In a scene straight out of a spy thriller, Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force (STF) uncovered a fully functional “embassy” operating illegally in Ghaziabad. Complete with luxury cars bearing diplomatic number plates, a posh rented property, and fabricated documents, the setup was helmed by Harshvardhan Jain — a man who introduced himself as “Baron HV Jain,” the ambassador of the self-declared micronation of Westarctica.
Police say Jain used morphed photos with the President, Prime Minister, and foreign dignitaries to establish legitimacy in elite social circles. The fake diplomatic outpost appeared convincing enough to run uninterrupted for years, until a tip-off finally brought it down.
Forgery, Fraud, and Fantasy: The Elaborate Setup
Investigators were stunned by what they recovered:
- Four high-end cars with diplomatic number plates
- ‘Diplomatic passports’ of 12 unrecognized micronations
- Rs 44 lakh in cash
- Forged documents allegedly bearing stamps of India’s Ministry of External Affairs
- Seals and symbols of 34 countries
- 18 fake diplomatic number plates
- Foreign currency and forged MEA documents
Jain allegedly used this infrastructure to run an employment and immigration scam, offering overseas jobs, fake residency, and business opportunities in fictional states like Westarctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia.
According to STF officials, he was also linked to a hawala network using shell companies. In a bizarre twist, an older case was already registered against him in 2011 for possession of an illegal satellite phone.
The Micronation at the Center: What Is Westarctica?
Founded in 2001 by US Navy officer Travis McHenry, Westarctica claims a 620,000-square-mile chunk of Antarctica. Though not recognized by any country, it operates as a nonprofit advocating for climate change awareness. It boasts its own flag, currency, and a claimed population of over 2,300 “citizens,” none of whom reside in the icy land.
Jain used this loophole to style himself as a “Grand Duke” and created a diplomatic ecosystem in India, including social media posts about a supposed “Consulate-General” in New Delhi. Photos on Instagram showed Jain distributing food, organizing community meals, and engaging in symbolic public service — all part of the illusion.
Cracks in the Façade and the Collapse
Despite the elaborate planning, Jain’s plan fell apart due to one fatal oversight — appearance. According to officials, he “didn’t look like the ambassador of any such place,” prompting suspicion. Someone finally lodged a complaint, and the STF took swift action.
Senior STF officer Sushil Ghule confirmed Jain used fake seals, forged documents, and morphed images to manipulate public perception and extract money from unsuspecting victims.
“We have registered a case against him for running this racket and possessing and making forged documents,” Ghule said.
While micronations claiming sovereignty without recognition aren’t new, this case marks a rare instance of one being used as a full-fledged fraud platform in India, complete with fabricated power, protocol, and press clippings.