https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/selfdeclared-westarctica-diplomat-arrested-in-3-billion-fakeembassy-fraud-1.500213005
An investigation against Harsh Vardhan Jain, who styled himself as the "Ambassador" or "Baron" of the unrecognised micronation Westarctica, has revealed shocking details.
Jain has been operating a fake embassy from a rented bungalow in Ghaziabad since approximately 2017. He was recently arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
Police have uncovered that Jain operated an elaborate fraud racket involving shell companies, money laundering via hawala networks, and employment scams promising overseas jobs. Authorities estimate his network may have defrauded victims to the tune of ₹3 billion.
During the raid on July 22, investigators seized over ₹4 million in cash, multiple foreign currencies, forged diplomatic passports (12 in total), luxury watches, and vehicles sporting fake diplomatic number plates and seals from purported Ministries of External Affairs from 34 countries.
Further, Jain is believed to have made approximately 162 international trips over a decade—visiting around 40 countries including the UAE, UK, Switzerland, France, Italy, Mauritius, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, and Turkey—and held a total of 20 bank accounts (12 in India; 8 overseas) across Dubai, London, and Mauritius.
According to a Hindustan Times report, photos recovered at the embassy premises reportedly show Jain with the controversial "godman" Chandraswami. Officials said Chandraswami introduced Jain to Ahsan Ali Sayad, with whom he set up 25 shell firms allegedly used for laundering the ₹3 billion funds. Sayad was arrested in London in 2022.
In response, Westarctica has officially distanced itself from Jain. In statements released after his arrest, the micronation said he had only been granted the honorary title of "Honorary Consul to India" in 2016 following a donation—and he was never authorised as an ambassador, nor allowed to issue passports or diplomatic plates. Westarctica has "indefinitely suspended" him and pledged full cooperation with Indian authorities.
