In a story that seems straight out of a Hollywood thriller, Delhi Police has uncovered an elaborate international con where a man posed as the official Ambassador of a fictional country called 'Westarctica' to dupe businessmen of lakhs of rupees.
The Master of Deception
Identified as Joginder Singh Dhull, the 45-year-old conman created an entire fictional diplomatic identity for himself. He presented himself as 'His Excellency Joginder Singh Dhull, Ambassador of Westarctica to India,' complete with fabricated diplomatic credentials and official-looking documents.
How the Elaborate Scam Worked
The fraudster targeted businessmen with promises of massive international investments and lucrative business opportunities. His modus operandi included:
- Creating fake diplomatic identity cards and official seals
- Setting up meetings in premium hotels and restaurants
- Promising multi-crore investments in various business ventures
- Demanding advance payments for processing these 'international deals'
The Fictional Nation of Westarctica
Westarctica, the country Dhull claimed to represent, is actually a micronation - a political entity that claims to be an independent nation but isn't recognized by world governments. The real Westarctica was founded in 2001 and is based on a territory in Antarctica.
The Unraveling
The scam came to light when multiple victims approached Delhi Police with similar complaints. Investigators discovered that Dhull had cheated several businessmen across different states, with losses running into lakhs of rupees.
Police Action and Investigation
Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing has registered a case and launched a detailed investigation. Authorities are looking into how many people fell victim to this sophisticated con and the total amount involved in the fraud.
This case serves as a stark reminder to always verify credentials, especially when dealing with international representatives promising huge investments. The incident highlights the need for thorough due diligence before entering into any financial agreements, no matter how official the documentation may appear.
