Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has ordered the cancellation of Lalit Modi’s passport, following Modi’s application to surrender his Indian passport. The former IPL founder faces serious allegations of financial misconduct and has obtained Vanuatu citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment programme, which has no residency requirement.
Jotham Napat, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, has instructed the Citizenship Commission to revoke the passport of fugitive businessman Lalit Modi, as reported by news agency PTI. This action follows Modi’s recent request to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London, indicating significant international legal implications.
Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), reportedly acquired Vanuatu citizenship through the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, which has gained attention for its expedited processing time. Vanuatu is a small island nation in the South Pacific, known for this program that allows for citizenship within 30 to 60 days.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed that India continues to pursue legal actions against Modi. He is implicated in serious charges including bid-rigging, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), having fled India in 2010 amid investigations into financial irregularities.
The Citizenship by Investment programme provides applicants with the option to gain Vanuatu citizenship without needing to reside in the country, a feature that enhances its appeal. According to a BBC report, the application costs between $135,500 and $155,500 (approximately Rs 1.18 crore to Rs 1.35 crore), contributing nearly 30 percent to Vanuatu’s national revenue.
In summary, the cancellation of Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu passport illustrates Vanuatu’s response to legal pressures connected to Modi’s alleged financial crimes. As a highlighted figure in international cricket and business, Modi’s case underscores the complexities surrounding citizenship by investment programmes and their scrutiny on a global scale. Meanwhile, India’s government remains committed to pursuing legal consequences for his actions prior to his departure from the country.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
