Conman Harshvardhan Jain's Fake Diplomat Network: Connections to Godman Chandraswami and International Fraud Scheme Revealed

Harshvardhan Jain, according to STF allegations, presented himself as a "diplomat" of various self-proclaimed micronations.

New Delhi:

A comprehensive 800-page chargesheet has been submitted against Harshvardhan Jain, the alleged orchestrator of a sophisticated fake embassy operation that deceived numerous businessmen throughout India. The Special Task Force (STF) of the Uttar Pradesh police filed this extensive document in a Ghaziabad court, revealing significant connections between the accused and controversial self-styled godman Chandraswami, who reportedly served as spiritual advisor to several Indian Prime Ministers and faced allegations in multiple criminal investigations.

The STF investigation claims that Chandraswami facilitated introductions between Jain and prominent figures including Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi and UK-based businessman Ahsan Ali Sayed. Sources within the STF indicate that Sayed, who now holds Turkish citizenship, allegedly assisted Jain in establishing 25 shell companies designed to broker fraudulent business arrangements.

Chandraswami, who provided spiritual guidance to former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, VP Singh, and Chandrasekhar, was previously linked to Khashoggi. Reports suggest that an income-tax raid conducted at Chandraswami's ashram uncovered original payment drafts totaling $11 million to Adnan Khashoggi.

Sources reveal that Chandraswami, whose birth name was Nemi Chand Jain, supported Harshvardhan Jain due to their shared community connections. Harshvardhan Jain's father reportedly held the presidency of a Jain organization.

The STF alleges that Jain routinely impersonated a "diplomat" representing self-proclaimed micronations including Seborga, Lotisland, Westarctica, Ladonia, and Poulo Wai to establish credibility with business owners.

Jain maintained strategic relationships with royal figures and presidents of these micronations, leveraging these connections to impress and influence businessmen from major metropolitan centers including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

Raj Kumar Mishra, a senior STF officer, explained that Jain enticed business owners with promises of profitable international deals and exclusive diplomatic privileges. The investigation revealed that he provided counterfeit diplomatic license plates for vehicles in exchange for substantial payments.

The chargesheet also names Jain's father-in-law and brother-in-law as co-accused for allegedly interfering with evidence related to the case.

Through detailed investigation, the STF discovered an extensive financial network involving numerous shell companies and international bank accounts. Jain reportedly operated financial accounts across multiple jurisdictions including Dubai, Mauritius, the UK, and India. Mishra confirmed that at least 11 accounts have been definitively traced thus far.

The investigation has additionally uncovered Jain's ambitious plan to create a "Horse Premier League (HPL)" modeled after the successful Indian Premier League cricket tournament.

Documents obtained by NDTV outline 16 shortlisted international teams from countries including India, Canada, France, Germany, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK for this proposed equestrian league.

According to reports, Jain's company demanded Rs 10 crore for title sponsorship, Rs 8 crore for co-sponsorship, and Rs 7 crore for associate sponsorship of this planned event.