Ghaziabad embassy fraud sheds light on world of ‘micronations’

From Westarctica to Seborga, the arrest of a UP man for running 'embassies' of fictional states exposes a bizarre phenomenon with no clear place in Indian law or academia

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

A bizarre fraud case uncovered in Ghaziabad, near Delhi, has thrown the spotlight on the little-known world of "micronations" — self-declared entities that mimic the structures of real countries but lack legal recognition. The Uttar Pradesh police are also at its wits' end as it faces a unique case with no precedence to follow.

The UP Special Task Force July 22 arrested 47-year-old Harsh Vardhan Jain from Ghaziabad for running "embassies" of four micronations — Westarctica, Seborga, Poulbia and Ladonia — from a rented house. Claiming to be their "ambassador," Jain possessed forged diplomatic plates, luxury cars and official seals. Police are probing alleged overseas job scams, hawala links and counterintelligence activities. Custody plea is pending in court. They are also examining statements by Westarctica and Seborga for possible use in the investigation.

"The problem is that there is no reference point for us also to deal with cases that involve something called a micronation," a senior UP police officer told PTI.