Uttar Pradesh STF Uncovers Fake Embassy Scandal in Ghaziabad
Officials of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) have recently made headlines by uncovering a shocking scam in Ghaziabad involving a fake embassy. The scam involved high-end cars with diplomatic number plates parked outside the building, diplomatic passports, morphed photos with state leaders, and even foreign currency.
Fake Embassy Operation Exposed
The mastermind behind this elaborate scheme was identified as Harsvardhan Jain. He rented a luxurious double-storeyed building and passed it off as the embassy of ‘Westarctica’, a micronation founded by a US Navy officer but lacking recognition from any sovereign state. Jain was accused of running a fraudulent job racket, deceiving people with promises of employment abroad, and allegedly being part of a money laundering network.
Jain would often introduce himself as the ‘Baron’ of Westarctica and would flaunt his status by driving around in high-end cars with diplomatic number plates. To gain credibility, he used manipulated images featuring prominent figures like the President and Prime Minister. Notably, Jain had a previous case against him in 2011 for illegal possession of a satellite phone.
Discovery of Illegal Activities
The STF officials seized four high-end cars bearing diplomatic number plates, ‘diplomatic passports’ from 12 micronations, forged documents with stamps from the External Affairs Ministry, stamps from 34 different nations, Rs 44 lakh in cash, foreign currency, and 18 diplomatic number plates.
Meanwhile, Travis McHenry, a US Navy officer, established ‘Westarctica’ in 2001 and declared himself the Grand Duke. Operating from Antarctica, Westarctica claims an area of 620,000 square miles and utilizes a legal loophole to assert sovereignty. Despite having 2,356 citizens, none reside in the territory. Additionally, the Grand Duchy functions as a non-profit promoting climate change awareness and Antarctic advocacy, complete with its own unique flag, currency, and non-recognized titles.
Shortly before the crackdown on the fake embassy, Westarctica’s official Instagram account posted images of its supposed “Consulate-General in New Delhi”. The post mentioned Baron HV Jain’s role in managing the consulate and his efforts in conducting charitable activities for the local community.
