According to the Uttar Pradesh state’s special task force, police arrested Harshvardhan Jain, a 47-year-old man. He reportedly ran his faux embassy from his rented residence on the outskirts of New Delhi. Jain had purportedly acted as an adviser or ambassador for micronations such as “Seborga” and “Westarctica.” He defrauded thousands by misleading them into giving him cash in exchange for work placements overseas.
The operation, which took place in Ghaziabad, raised suspicions among local authorities, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to Jain’s arrest. During a subsequent search of his home, police found overwhelming evidence of his fraudulent activity. Officials seized four cars that had the fraudulent diplomatic license plates. They confiscated almost 4.5 million Indian rupees—approximately $52,095—as well as other foreign currencies.
Speaking of legitimacy, authorities found international flags from a number of other countries decorating Jain’s home, adding to the appearance of legitimacy surrounding his operations. In fact, investigators found thousands of edited images featuring Jain with various heads of state. They uncovered counterfeit seals that purport to come from India’s foreign ministry and almost three dozen other nations.
In addition to those four charges, Jain is alleged to have personally participated in illegal money laundering through undisclosed foreign shell companies. His rickety plan not only duped people looking for work, but has triggered questions about the violation of important diplomatic courtesies. Luxury cars crowded the outside of his rented mansion. Among them were a luxury sports car and a high-end bicycle, both symbols of the scale of his operations.
Jain’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment on the allegations by press time. This litigation illustrates the needless, preventable unsafe conditions people face when seeking employment abroad. This is particularly alarming when they are targeted by others who pose as representatives of legitimate government entities.
