Lalit Modi Acquires Vanuatu Citizenship Amid Legal Troubles and Extradition Efforts
Lalit Modi recently acquired Vanuatu citizenship while facing legal issues in India. This move follows his application to surrender his Indian passport, prompting new developments in ongoing extradition attempts. Vanuatu’s golden passport program, known for its quick and undemanding process, has drawn interest from individuals worldwide, including Indians. However, concerns exist about its exploitation by criminals.
Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has recently acquired citizenship from Vanuatu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean. This development comes a significant 15 years after he fled to the UK amid legal troubles, including charges of money laundering and tax evasion. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed Modi’s application to surrender his Indian passport, which will be reviewed according to existing regulations.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Modi’s application to surrender his passport will be assessed properly, while the case remains under pursuit by Indian authorities. Modi’s citizenship acquisition from Vanuatu presents a new twist in efforts for extradition, which have not progressed significantly. Vanuatu’s citizenship program is notably appealing, requiring minimal documentation with a swift processing time, further complicating the case surrounding Modi.
Vanuatu’s golden passport initiative allows wealthy individuals to obtain citizenship by paying USD 150,000 (approximately Rs 1.3 crore), with the entire process taking about a month and requiring no physical presence. This program is characterized by its ease and direct online application feature, making it a notable avenue for those seeking alternative citizenship.
This program, touted as fast and affordable, significantly contributes to Vanuatu’s economy, with these passport sales generating nearly 40% of the government’s revenue. Vanuatu’s passport provides holders with visa-free access to over 120 countries, including popular destinations like the UK and many European nations. As a tax haven, it imposes no income, corporate, or wealth taxes, making it especially attractive.
The rise in Vanuatu’s citizenship applications among Indians and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is evident, with several dozen obtaining citizenship in recent years. However, concerns arise as reports suggest that this citizenship acquisition route has been abused by criminal networks, providing problematic back-door access to the EU and the UK.
In summary, Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship reflects a pattern among wealthy individuals seeking expedited nationality through minimal documentation and financial investment. Vanuatu’s golden passport program offers significant advantages, such as visa-free travel and tax benefits, yet poses legal and ethical concerns in light of its misuse by international criminal syndicates. This development adds complexity to Modi’s ongoing legal challenges and India’s extradition efforts.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
