The founder of a new libertarian micronation in the Balkans has invited thousands of desperate Syrian refugees into his brand new 'utopian' country- so long as they pay $10,000 for the privilege.
Czech politician Vit Jedlicka, 32, proclaimed himself president of the Free Republic of Liberland, a slither of disputed territory on the banks of the Danube river between Serbia and Croatia, in April.
The commodities trader says he has since received some 380,000 applications to become citizens of the three-square-mile patch of mosquito-ridden swampland - which he plans to turn into a tax haven 'like Monaco or Liechtenstein'.
The sovereign state is currently receiving one application a minute, he claims.
Of the thousands interested in joining a new nation, a staggering 20,000 come from Syria, he claimed in a telephone call to MailOnline yesterday. By comparison, less than 4,000 come from the UK.

The founders of Liberland have said that anyone could become a citizen apart from religious extremists, members of the Nazi or Communist party, or those with a violent background and criminals.
'President' Jedlicka told MailOnline the refugees are all 'very welcome' as long- as they pay their way.
He said: 'It's a very sensitive issue for us as many refugees are crossing the border near Liberland.
'We have had 22,000 applications from Syria. If they want to help get Liberland started they are very welcome. But they have to share our ideology of freedom.'
Those have travelled to Europe without cash will not find a home in Liberland.
Jedlicka said: 'They cannot be bankrupt and they have to pay $10,000 or do some work like PR or diplomacy to the value of $10,000.'
Despite the huge volume of applications, Jedlicka said only 618 Syrians were formally eligible and had done the necessary paperwork.
And he was not optimistic that many refugees would end up joining his city state.