Indian authorities have apprehended a 47-year-old man suspected of operating a fake embassy out of a rented residential property near New Delhi, in a brazen scam involving bogus diplomatic credentials, luxury cars with counterfeit plates, and fraudulent promises of overseas jobs.
The suspect, identified as Harshvardhan Jain, allegedly presented himself as an ambassador or adviser to obscure entities like “Seborga” and “Westarctica,” exploiting the appearance of diplomatic legitimacy to deceive unsuspecting victims. Police said Jain duped multiple individuals by offering fake employment opportunities abroad in exchange for money.
The arrest was made by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force, with senior officer Sushil Ghule confirming that Jain’s sham operation included doctored photographs of himself alongside global political leaders and forged seals from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, as well as those of nearly three dozen other countries.
Luxury Cars, Fake Plates, and Millions in Cash Seized
During a raid on Jain’s premises in Ghaziabad, on the outskirts of New Delhi, officers seized four high-end vehicles fitted with fraudulent diplomatic number plates. The location, which was flying multiple international flags to bolster its fake legitimacy, also housed a significant amount of money — approximately ₹4.5 million (around S$84,000) in cash, along with various foreign currencies.
Images from the scene showed both a luxury vehicle and even a bicycle stationed outside the bogus embassy, painting a surreal picture of the scam’s audacity.
Authorities are now investigating further claims of money laundering involving shell companies registered overseas, indicating that Jain’s operation may have had cross-border financial implications. Charges filed against him include forgery, impersonation, and possession of falsified documents.
Victims Tricked with Promises of Global Jobs
According to investigators, Jain lured victims into his web by assuring them of employment opportunities in foreign embassies or international roles, supported by falsified documents and credentials. By donning the image of a high-ranking diplomat and surrounding himself with the trappings of international diplomacy, Jain allegedly managed to gain the trust of many individuals.
At the time of reporting, neither Jain nor any legal representative had responded to media inquiries.
Growing Trend of Sophisticated Scams in India
This bizarre case adds to a rising number of sophisticated scams in India, where conmen are leveraging technology, forged identities, and fake institutions to exploit public trust. As international employment continues to be a high-value aspiration for many, scammers are tapping into that desire — making it essential for the public to verify the legitimacy of such offers through official channels.
Police are urging anyone who may have interacted with Jain or his so-called embassy to come forward as investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the deception.
Image Source: HT