In a significant blow to former IPL chief Lalit Modi, the government of Vanuatu has decided to revoke his passport, citing concerns that he obtained citizenship to evade extradition. The move comes after international media reports raised questions about his reasons for securing citizenship in the Pacific island nation.
Lalit Modi, who is wanted in India for alleged financial misconduct, had earlier applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission of India in London.
Vanuatu PM Orders Cancellation of Modi’s Passport
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the country’s Citizenship Commission to cancel Modi’s passport, stating that new information has come to light regarding his legal troubles.
"While all standard background checks, including Interpol screenings, during his application showed no criminal convictions, I have been informed in the past 24 hours that Interpol twice rejected India's request for an alert notice against Mr. Modi due to insufficient judicial evidence. If such an alert had been issued, his citizenship application would have been automatically denied," Napat said.
The Prime Minister stressed that Vanuatu citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and that applicants must seek it for legitimate reasons. "Evading extradition is not one of them," he asserted.
Stronger Scrutiny in Vanuatu’s Citizenship Program
The Vanuatu government stated that it has significantly tightened its citizenship-by-investment program over the last four years. The reforms include stricter financial intelligence measures and triple-agency checks, including Interpol verification. This has led to a rise in failed applications, reinforcing the country’s commitment to preventing misuse of its citizenship process.
India Continues Legal Proceedings
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed Modi’s application to relinquish his Indian passport. "He has submitted a request for passport surrender at the Indian High Commission in London. The matter will be reviewed as per existing rules and procedures," said ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
He also noted that India remains committed to pursuing the case against Lalit Modi under the law, despite his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship.
Lalit Modi’s Legal Troubles
Lalit Modi fled India in 2010 amid allegations of financial mismanagement during his tenure as IPL commissioner. His name has remained embroiled in controversy, with Indian authorities seeking his return to face legal proceedings.
With Vanuatu now moving to revoke his passport, Modi may find his legal and travel options narrowing, adding to the challenges he faces in avoiding extradition.
