The Diplomatic Mirage: Fake Embassy Unveils an International Hawala Network

The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police is delving into the dubious financial undertakings of Harshvardhan Jain, a self-styled diplomat who established a sham embassy for a nonexistent nation named 'West Arctica' in Ghaziabad. The STF suspects that Jain, arrested on Tuesday, orchestrated a vast hawala operation from a lavish rented bungalow in Kavinagar.

Sources indicate that Jain founded numerous firms in Europe, allegedly to camouflage his expansive hawala ventures. The STF claims his ties link back to notable underworld elements, including Ehsan Ali Syed and arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, suggesting a complex web of deceit disguised as legitimate business enterprises.

The police raid uncovered substantial evidence, including cash, fraudulent diplomatic documents, and falsified seals from 34 countries. Local authorities are scrutinizing Jain's activities, seeking to comprehend the intricacies of his long-standing operations. Jain's prior arrest in 2011 and his association with Syed, currently jailed in Switzerland for fraud, add depth to the ongoing investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)