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Ghaziabad 'micronation' scam: Man sets up fake embassies of fictional nations, claims ties with ‘Seborga', ‘West Arctica' & 'Lodonia'; luxury watches, diplomatic number plates, forged IDs seized

Ghaziabad 'micronation' scam: Man sets up fake embassies of fictional nations, claims ties with ‘Seborga', ‘West Arctica' & 'Lodonia'; luxury watches, diplomatic number plates, forged IDs seized

Time of India8 hours ago
NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown, the Noida unit of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has busted an illegal 'embassy' being operated out of a rented house in the Kavi Nagar area of Ghaziabad.
As per news agency ANI, Harsh Vardhan Jain, the accused, was arrested for allegedly running a fake diplomatic mission under the guise of representing fictional countries such as West Arctica, Seborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia.
According to additional director general (Law and Order) of Uttar Pradesh Police, Jain presented himself as a consul or ambassador of these so-called "micronations" and moved around in cars fitted with fake diplomatic number plates.
A total of four such vehicles were seized during the STF raid.
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The STF recovered Rs 44,70,000 in cash, along with foreign currency of multiple countries.
They also seize 12 fake diplomatic passports supposedly issued by these imaginary states.
In addition, the following items were recovered:
Forged documents bearing fake seals of the Ministry of External Affairs
Two forged PAN cards
34 counterfeit seals from various countries and companies
Two fake press cards
Company records and confidential-looking papers meant to mislead victims
The STF said Jain had been using these forged identities and documents to deceive individuals with promises of international job placements, fake diplomatic status, and other fraudulent claims.
(With agency inputs)
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Ghaziabad fake embassy scandal: Westarctica and the world of micronations
Ghaziabad fake embassy scandal: Westarctica and the world of micronations

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Ghaziabad fake embassy scandal: Westarctica and the world of micronations

A 45-year-old man in Ghaziabad was pulling off a unique scam by pretending to be the 'ambassador' of Westarctica, an unrecognised micronation in Antarctica. A raid by the Uttar Pradesh Police at the house he claimed was the official embassy busted his con. The case has put the spotlight on micronations. What are they? read more A man has been arrested in Ghaziabad for running a fake embassy and conning people. News18 The Uttar Pradesh Police have busted a fake embassy in Ghaziabad. A 45-year-old man, identified as Harsh Vardhan Jain, was allegedly running a scam from a two-storey house in Kavi Nagar, claiming to be the 'ambassador' of Westarctica, an unrecognised micronation in Antarctica. According to the Noida unit of the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF), the man conned people using forged Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) documents and promises of international deals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While his embassy was not real, Westarctica is. 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