Vanuatu Revokes Lalit Modi's Citizenship Amid Legal Controversy

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has made a decision to revoke the Vanuatu citizenship of Lalit Modi, the architect behind the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the wealthiest cricket leagues globally. Modi, who has been living in London to escape legal action in India, allegedly acquired a Golden Passport from Vanuatu, indicating plans to move to the Pacific island. The Prime Minister directed the Citizenship Commission to proceed with the cancellation of Modi's citizenship, highlighting concerns over the legitimacy of his reasons for obtaining it.

"All standard background checks, including Interpol screenings conducted at the time of application, revealed no criminal charges against Lalit Modi. However, we are aware that Indian authorities have made two requests to Interpol in the last 24 hours to issue a warning notice against him. However, Interpol rejected their requests due to lack of sufficient evidence. There must be legitimate reasons for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship. It appears he has taken Vanuatu citizenship to avoid investigations in his home country. Since the reasons he presented were not legally valid, we have decided to revoke Lalit's citizenship," the Vanuatu Prime Minister stated.

In response to acquiring citizenship in Vanuatu, Modi took steps to relinquish his Indian passport by applying at the Indian embassy in London. The Ministry of External Affairs is in the process of evaluating his application following standard protocols. This comes as Modi faces accusations of embezzling substantial sums during his tenure at the IPL, leading him to seek refuge in London for over a decade to evade prosecution by Indian authorities. India continues its efforts to extradite him, underscoring the gravity of the charges against him.

Modi's interest in Vanuatu may stem from the nation's favorable business environment and tax policies. Vanuatu has emerged as an appealing destination for business registration and income generation from foreign sources due to the absence of gift, estate, and income taxes, including on international earnings and long-term profits. Additionally, the country is evolving into a hub for cryptocurrency, further attracting individuals engaged in various business ventures, such as stock trading and real estate.

As this situation unfolds, it's clear that Modi's attempt to navigate legal challenges by acquiring citizenship in Vanuatu has been thwarted. The revocation of his Vanuatu citizenship marks a significant setback, complicating his efforts to avoid legal scrutiny in India. With the Indian government continuing its legal pursuit, Modi's future remains uncertain as he confronts the repercussions of his alleged misconduct while at the helm of the IPL.