Indian Police Arrest Man for Running Fake Embassy Near Delhi

New Delhi – July 26, 2025: Indian authorities have arrested a 47-year-old man accused of operating a fake embassy from a rented residence in Ghaziabad, near the capital, and defrauding job seekers with false promises of overseas employment.

The suspect, Harsh Vardhan Jain, allegedly posed as an ambassador for fictitious countries including Westarctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia, using fake diplomatic credentials, doctored photos with Indian leaders, and even vehicles with bogus diplomatic plates to support his claims.

According to police, Jain’s activities included brokering fake job placements abroad, running a hawala (illegal money transfer) network, and laundering money through shell companies. A raid on his residence led to the recovery of $53,500 in cash, as well as forged passports and documents bearing fake stamps from India’s foreign ministry.

Police say Jain had been operating under the guise of an “illegal West Arctic embassy” to exploit unsuspecting individuals looking for jobs overseas.

One of the entities he claimed to represent, Westarctica, clarified in a statement that Jain had made a donation and was appointed as an honorary consul, but was never given the status or authority of an ambassador.

No comment has yet been issued by Jain or his legal representatives.

The case has sparked fresh concerns over fake embassies, job scams, and the use of obscure micronations to commit fraud in India.