
Illegal arms unit busted in Etah, three held with 16 pistols
The raid was conducted around 6:45 pm on Friday following specific intelligence inputs, according to a press statement issued by the UP STF. The accused — Seenu and Meenu, both sons of Bholu alias Bhole of Bankner village in Kasganj district, and their uncle Morsingh Yadav, a resident of Shanti Vihar in Bareilly — were apprehended from the spot. They were allegedly found displaying illegal firearms at the time of the raid.
'16 country-made pistols of .315 and .32 bore, two live and two empty cartridges of .315 bore, one live cartridge of .32 bore, one empty cartridge of 12 bore, along with firearm-making equipment and an auto used for transporting weapons, have been recovered,' the officials said.
During interrogation, Seenu and Meenu reportedly told police that they had rented the premises, pretending to operate a lock-manufacturing unit. In reality, they were running a workshop producing country-made pistols, which were later sold in Etah, Bareilly, and nearby districts. Morsingh Yadav, their uncle, is said to have played the role of buyer and distributor. He was present to collect a fresh batch of pistols when the STF raided the site.
Officials said the raid was part of a wider operation targeting illegal arms factories operating across western UP.
An FIR has been lodged under sections 3, 5, and 25 of the Arms Act at the Kotwali Nagar police station. Police are investigating the network and trying to identify other buyers linked to the weapons supply chain.

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India.com
a minute ago
- India.com
Uttar Pradesh Police Busts Fake West Arctic Embassy In Ghaziabad, One Arrested
The Noida unit of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested a person for allegedly operating a fake embassy in Ghaziabad. According to ADG Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh, the man had set up the so-called "West Arctic Embassy" in a rented house in Kavinagar, falsely claiming to be a Consul/Ambassador and using vehicles with diplomatic number plates. Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh said, "Noida unit of UP STF busted an illegal embassy running in Ghaziabad and arrested Harsh Vardhan Jain, who was running an illegal West Arctic Embassy by taking a rented house in Kavinagar calling himself Consul/Ambassador of countries like West Arctica, Saborga, Poulvia, Lodonia and travels in vehicles with diplomatic number plates." In a burst, ADG further stated that documents of many companies have been recovered, including four vehicles with diplomatic number plates, 12 diplomatic passports, forged PAN cards and Rs 44,70,000 in cash. "Four vehicles with diplomatic number plates. 12 diplomatic passports of micronation countries. Forged documents with the seal of Ministry of External Affairs. Two forged PAN cards. 34 seals of different countries and companies. 2 forged press cards. Rs 44,70,000 in cash. Foreign currency of many countries. Documents of many companies have been recovered," ADG Law and Order further added. According to the police, the arrested suspect, Harshvardhan Jain, posed as an ambassador of fictitious nations such as West Arctica, Sabroga, Poulvia, and Lodonia. During the raid, authorities recovered multiple fake stamps, forged passports, diplomatic registration plates, and a significant amount of both domestic and foreign currency. SSP STF Sushil Ghule said, "UP STF Noida unit on July 22 in Ghaziabad has arrested an accused running an illegal embassy. His name is Harsh Vardhan Jain. He lives in Kavinagar, Ghaziabad. He used to talk to people calling himself Ambassador of countries like West Arctica, Saborga, Poulvia, Lodonia." "Some vehicles have been seized from him on which he has placed some diplomatic number plates which are not approved. He also used morphed photographs with well known dignitaries. He used to make fake promises to provide jobs abroad. Through shell companies he used to run Hawala racket," he added.


News18
10 minutes ago
- News18
How Harshvardhan Jain, ‘Ambassador Of Westarctica', Became The Ultimate Con Star Of Ghaziabad
Last Updated: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), which arrested Harshvardhan Jain, said he was running a full-fledged fake 'consulate' from his bungalow Who is Harshvardhan Jain? Until Tuesday, most people — even in his own Ghaziabad neighbourhood — barely knew. But now, the man who styled himself as a diplomat of fictitious nations and flaunted morphed photos with India's most powerful leaders, stands exposed as the mastermind behind one of the most audacious cons in recent memory: a fake embassy of 'Westarctica' operating from a rented home in Kavi Nagar. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), which arrested Jain on Tuesday, said he was running a full-fledged 'consulate" from his bungalow, complete with diplomatic number plates, forged Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) documents, fake passports of non-existent countries, and even bogus press credentials. 'Jain claimed to be the consul or ambassador of Westarctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia — none of which are recognised as sovereign nations," said SSP Sushil Ghule, who led the STF raid. 'He used diplomatic insignias and paraphernalia to create an illusion of official legitimacy," he added. What was found in the raid? During the raid conducted by the STF at Harshvardhan Jain's rented residence in Kavi Nagar, officers uncovered a stunning array of forged diplomatic paraphernalia and illegal assets. The team seized Rs 44.7 lakh in cash, along with foreign currency from several countries. Four high-end luxury vehicles were recovered, all bearing fake diplomatic number plates. In total, 18 such forged number plates were found. Additionally, the STF recovered 12 counterfeit diplomatic passports linked to various unrecognised micronations, including Westarctica and Saborga. The search also led to the discovery of forged documents bearing the seal of the MEA, 34 rubber stamps of foreign countries and reputed companies, two fake PAN cards, two bogus press credentials, and company records believed to be part of shell firms used in money laundering. According to officers, Jain had meticulously created the illusion of a legitimate diplomatic mission, complete with national flags, official-looking insignias, and even an office setup to mislead visitors and potential clients. How was illusion of Westarctica created? Jain's most elaborate hoax was his association with Westarctica — a self-declared micronation founded in 2001 by a former US Navy officer claiming a slice of unclaimed Antarctic land. Despite having no legal recognition, Westarctica maintains an online presence, and even its official Instagram handle had recently described Jain as 'Baron HV Jain," running the Consulate-General of Westarctica in New Delhi since 2017. 'He used that social media legitimacy as a shield," a senior STF officer said. 'He'd boast of charity events and diplomatic engagements, though none were real." What was Jain's motive? Behind the theatrics was a more sinister racket. Jain allegedly promised overseas job placements and business opportunities in foreign countries. He took large sums from private individuals and companies, claiming to get them special diplomatic permissions or international licenses. 'He ran a broker network. People believed his promises because he looked the part — from fancy cars to custom-made diplomatic suits," said ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash. More troubling, Jain is suspected of running a hawala racket through a web of shell companies, some of which were used to move money under the guise of international development or investment. Jain has a shadowy past This isn't Jain's first brush with the law. Back in 2011, he was arrested after an illegal satellite phone was recovered from him — a serious offence under Indian law. That case, registered at the same Kavi Nagar police station, is still pending. Investigators also claim that Jain had previously been associated with controversial godman Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, raising red flags about his past affiliations and the possible international links of his fraud. 'Whether or not he had actual links with these figures, the fact that he leveraged those names shows how calculated he was," said an STF official. What makes a real embassy? In light of the bust, police officials clarified what a legitimate embassy or consulate entails. 'A diplomatic mission is set up by a recognised government to represent its political, economic, and consular interests in another sovereign country," said ADG Yash. 'They issue visas, assist nationals, promote bilateral trade, and maintain international relations. Jain's operation had no such authority." STF officials are now examining whether Jain had accomplices in India or abroad, and how many people he may have defrauded. They're also reviewing his digital footprint, especially social media handles that helped him project credibility. 'People assume what they see online is real — Jain weaponised that assumption," said an officer involved in the probe. Has an FIR been lodged? top videos View all An FIR has been lodged at the Kavi Nagar police station under sections related to forgery, impersonation, cheating, and violating the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act. Jain remains in custody, and investigations are ongoing. 'His so-called embassy may be gone," said an STF officer, 'but we're still uncovering just how far this diplomatic fraud stretched." Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : news18 specials view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 17:17 IST News india How Harshvardhan Jain, 'Ambassador Of Westarctica', Became The Ultimate Con Star Of Ghaziabad Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Fake country, fake embassy: How Ghaziabad man posed as 'West Arctica' envoy
Heard of 'West Arctica', Saborga, Poulvia and Lodonia? Probably not, because they don't exist. But that didn't stop Harsh Vardhan Jain, a resident of Kavi Nagar in Ghaziabad, from allegedly setting up a so-called consulate and calling himself an ambassador of these fictitious nations, according to news agency PTI. The Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) has now arrested him for operating a fake embassy out of a rented house in Ghaziabad. Fake embassies and forged passports According to STF officials from the Noida unit, Jain was using forged documents, morphed photos with top politicians, and diplomatic paraphernalia to pass off the operation as legitimate. He moved around in vehicles carrying fake diplomatic number plates and promised job placements abroad to individuals and companies. Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General of Police, told PTI, the accused had styled himself as a consul and was conducting activities from a residential address. 'Twelve fake diplomatic passports, forged Ministry of External Affairs documents, rubber stamps of different countries and companies, and fake press cards were found,' said Yash. The police also recovered ₹44.7 lakh in cash, foreign currency, and 18 fake diplomatic number plates. Four vehicles, two PAN cards, and several shell company documents were seized during the raid. Jain has also been linked in the past to controversial godman Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. In 2011, he was booked in a case involving an illegal satellite phone. An FIR has been filed at Kavi Nagar police station and investigations are ongoing. What to watch for when dealing with 'embassies' or visa agents As more Indians seek study and work opportunities abroad, legal experts warn against trusting self-proclaimed visa agents or dubious 'embassies'. 'For students and professionals planning to go abroad, verifying the legitimacy of visa consultants, embassies, and government links is non-negotiable,' Jyoti Sharma, a Delhi-based lawyer told Business Standard. 'This is a serious and alarming incident. Such operations are not only illegal but dangerous for students and professionals looking to migrate or study abroad,' said Harsh Kumar, Advocate at Jotwani Associates, speaking to Business Standard. He advised that legitimate foreign missions are always registered with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and their credentials can be verified on the MEA's official website. Any consulate operating from an informal setting, demanding large sums, or offering unrealistic guarantees, should raise immediate suspicion. If someone suspects a fake embassy or migration racket, Kumar recommends the following legal steps: 1. File a police complaint (FIR): Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relevant sections include: Section 316 – Cheating Section 317(2) – Cheating by impersonation Section 334 – Forgery of documents Section 336 – Using forged documents as genuine Section 64 – Criminal conspiracy These are serious, often non-bailable offences. 2. Report to the MEA: Use the MEA's grievance portal or contact the local Passport Office or FRRO. They can confirm whether a mission is officially recognised and act accordingly. 3. Contact the Cyber Crime Cell: If the scam involved websites, emails or digital fraud, file a complaint through the national cybercrime portal: [ 4. Use the Consumer Protection Act: If a private consultancy was involved, victims can approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Kumar added that victims should preserve all receipts, emails and communication as evidence and consult a lawyer with expertise in immigration or cyber law before proceeding. 'The new criminal code gives individuals the power to act quickly and effectively. It's crucial to rely only on accredited consultants and verified government sources when pursuing international education or job opportunities,' he said.. With agency inputs