Unveiling a Massive Scam

An investigation into Harshvardhan Jain, recently arrested for operating a fake embassy in Ghaziabad, has exposed a scam potentially worth Rs 300 crore. Jain, who was apprehended last week, allegedly ran a job racket and engaged in money laundering through the Hawala route. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) discovered that Jain had made 162 foreign trips over the past decade and held multiple overseas bank accounts. During a raid on the premises, authorities seized four cars with fake diplomatic number plates, forged documents, and a collection of luxury watches. Jain is expected to appear in court as police seek his custody.

The Fake Embassy Facade

Jain’s operation was based in a rented two-storey house in Ghaziabad, which he claimed was an embassy. The building displayed a nameplate reading “Grand Duchy of Westarctica” and “H E HV Jain Honorary Consul,” alongside flags of India and Westarctica—a micronation in Antarctica not recognized by any sovereign state. Investigators revealed that Jain used this front to network and lure individuals with promises of jobs abroad. The fake embassy had been operational since 2017, with Jain organizing charity events to maintain the facade.

Connections to Controversial Figures

During the raid, police found photographs of Jain with controversial figures such as Chandraswami and Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Chandraswami, a self-proclaimed godman, was influential in the 80s and 90s and faced allegations of financial irregularities. He was also accused of funding the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It was Chandraswami who introduced Jain to Khashoggi and conman Ahsan Ali Sayed, who allegedly collaborated with Jain to open 25 shell companies for money laundering.

Westarctica’s Response

Following Jain’s arrest, Westarctica distanced itself from him. The micronation stated that Jain was an honorary consul due to a generous donation but never held ambassadorial authority. Westarctica emphasized that it does not issue diplomatic items like number plates or passports, which Jain falsely created. Consequently, Jain has been indefinitely suspended from representing Westarctica.

Understanding Westarctica

Founded by US Navy officer Travis McHenry in 2001, Westarctica is a micronation located in Antarctica. It functions as a non-profit organization promoting climate change awareness and has its own flag and currency. Despite claiming 2,356 citizens, none reside there.