Fake Embassy Busted in Ghaziabad! ‘Fake Baron’ Living in Luxury, Crores Worth Hawala Racket Exposed

National New: The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police has exposed a fake embassy in Ghaziabad, which was being run by a person claiming to be a diplomat of a fictitious country like "West Arctica." The accused, Harshvardhan Jain, who was running the 'consulate' illegally from a rented house in the Kavi Nagar area, has been arrested.

'Ambassador' of imaginary countries

Harshvardhan Jain was living as a self-proclaimed ambassador of not only 'West Arctica' but also of nonexistent countries like 'Saborga,' 'Polvia,' and 'Lodonia.' He used to put diplomatic number plates on his vehicles, claiming to be an international diplomat, and used this identity to carry out various illegal activities.

Complex fraud scheme

According to police officials, the accused's modus operandi was highly organized. He used to lure people into getting jobs abroad through fake companies and used to make transactions through hawala networks. Apart from this, he tried to increase his false influence by digitally altering the photographs of high-ranking leaders like the prime minister and the president.

Old criminal connections

Police investigation revealed that Harshvardhan's past has also been suspicious. In 2011, a case was registered against him for possessing an illegal satellite phone. Also, his connections are being reported with controversial persons like Chandraswami and international arms smuggler Adnan Khagoshi. This proves that the accused has been involved in criminal activities for a long time.

Important evidence found in the raid

A huge amount of cash and documents was recovered in the raid conducted by the Noida unit of STF. Police found Rs 44 lakh in cash, foreign currency, four vehicles with diplomatic number plates, 18 different number plates, 12 fake diplomatic passports, fake documents bearing the seal of the Ministry of External Affairs, two fake PAN cards, and 34 seals. Also, two fake press cards and documents related to various companies were recovered.

Legal action continues

A case has been registered against the accused in Ghaziabad's Kavi Nagar police station. Officer Amitabh Yash said that considering the seriousness of the matter, it is being investigated in detail and the legal process is going on. The police are also trying to find out who else is involved in this fraud.