Vanuatu has revoked the passport it granted to former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who faces allegations of financial irregularities in India.
Vanuatu PM Cites Extradition Concerns
On Monday, Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat confirmed the decision, stating, “While all standard background checks, including Interpol screenings, showed no criminal convictions, I have been made aware in the past 24 hours that Interpol twice rejected Indian authorities’ requests to issue an alert notice on Mr Modi due to lack of substantive judicial evidence.”
Napat emphasized that individuals must seek Vanuatu’s citizenship for legitimate reasons, not to evade extradition. He added, “The recent facts brought to light clearly indicate that Mr Modi’s intention was to avoid extradition.”
Lalit Modi’s Attempt To Renounce Indian Citizenship
Last week, Lalit Modi applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London, citing his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship. If his new citizenship had been recognized, India would have needed to secure his extradition before initiating legal proceedings.
Vanuatu’s Citizenship Programme Under Scrutiny
Vanuatu offers citizenship through investment, requiring a non-refundable donation or investment. The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) sets the minimum amount at $155,000 (approximately ₹1.3 crore), making it one of the most affordable citizenship options.
However, concerns over money laundering and fugitives exploiting the scheme have led to increased scrutiny. In 2017, diamond jeweler Nirav Modi attempted to secure Vanuatu citizenship, transferring $195,000 as an application fee. However, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) check found adverse findings, leading to his rejection.
PM Napat stated that in the past four years, Vanuatu has strengthened due diligence measures, including triple-agency checks and Interpol verification. The European Union even revoked its visa-free travel agreement with Vanuatu in December 2023, citing security risks from its citizenship program.
Lalit Modi’s Legal Troubles In India
Lalit Modi, once the architect of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been under investigation for forex violations and financial irregularities linked to a ₹425-crore TV rights deal for the 2009 IPL season.
In 2010, after attending one interrogation session with Indian authorities, he fled to the UK. The BCCI suspended him, citing misconduct, indiscipline, and financial irregularities related to two new franchise bids (Pune and Kochi). In 2013, the BCCI banned him for life after an internal investigation found him guilty.
From London, Lalit Modi has repeatedly denied all allegations, claiming innocence in multiple interviews. However, with Vanuatu’s rejection of his citizenship, his legal troubles appear far from over.
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