Lalit Modi Secures Vanuatu Citizenship Amid Ongoing Legal Troubles

Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, has acquired Vanuatu citizenship amid facing charges of money laundering and tax evasion. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that he has applied to surrender his Indian passport while the extradition process remains unresolved. Vanuatu’s golden passport program, attracting many wealthy individuals, offers easy citizenship with minimal requirements but faces scrutiny due to potential abuses.

Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) who fled to the UK 15 years ago, has recently made headlines for acquiring citizenship in Vanuatu. This development was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which also noted that Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London. Modi faces serious charges, including money laundering and tax evasion, adding complexity to his situation.

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, “Lalit Modi has made an application for surrender of his passport at the High Commission of India in London.” The case against Modi continues to be pursued under applicable laws. This update comes as India’s extradition request for him remains stagnant, with his new nationality further complicating matters.

Vanuatu, with a small population of just over 300,000, offers a golden passport program that allows individuals to acquire citizenship by paying USD 150,000 (approximately Rs 1.3 crore). The application process is appealing due to its minimal documentation requirements, rapid processing time of about a month, and the ability to apply without visiting the country. The program has become a significant revenue source for the nation, contributing nearly 40% to its financial resources.

A notable benefit of Vanuatu citizenship is the ability it provides for visa-free travel to over 120 countries, including the UK and several European nations. Furthermore, Vanuatu is recognized as a tax haven, lacking income, corporate, and wealth taxes. In recent years, the island has seen an influx of Indian nationals acquiring citizenship, with reports indicating that at least 30 Indians have become citizens in the past two years.

Despite its advantages, the golden passport program in Vanuatu is controversial. Investigations suggest that it has been misused by various criminal entities, providing them with a way to access the EU and UK. The Guardian has reported that many applicants are associated with complex offshore operations, raising concerns about the integrity of the citizenship process.

In summary, Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship marks a significant development in his fugitive status amid serious charges he faces in India. Vanuatu’s golden passport program, which facilitates citizenship with minimal requirements and quick processing, has attracted many wealthy individuals, albeit amid concerns of misuse by criminal organizations. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in international law and citizenship regulation.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in