Lalit Modi Acquires Citizenship in Vanuatu Amid Legal Troubles

Lalit Modi has acquired Vanuatu citizenship while facing charges of money laundering and tax evasion. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed his application to surrender his Indian passport. Vanuatu’s lucrative golden passport program facilitates quick citizenship for wealthy individuals, raising concerns about its potential exploitation by criminals. Modi’s case highlights challenges in international law enforcement and scrutiny of such programs.

Lalit Modi, the former boss of the Indian Premier League, has recently generated attention by acquiring citizenship in Vanuatu, a small island country in the Pacific. This event was confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), following Modi’s application in London to surrender his Indian passport as he faces allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Lalit Modi has made an application for surrender of his passport at the High Commission of India in London. We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law.”

The acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship comes 15 years after Modi fled to the UK. His extradition has faced challenges, and the citizenship gives him a new layer of protection. Vanuatu facilitates citizenship through its golden passport program, allowing wealthy individuals to pay approximately USD 150,000 for expedited citizenship with minimal documentation required. The application process can be completed online within a month, without the need for physical presence in the country.

Vanuatu’s program is deemed one of the fastest and most attractive globally, with passport sales making up nearly 40% of the nation’s income. The country benefits from offering visa-free access to several countries, including the UK and various European nations, making it appealing for expatriates and travelers. Interest in Vanuatu citizenship has surged among Indians, with at least 30 individuals adopting citizenship in the last two years, alongside significant interest from Chinese nationals.

Despite its allure, Vanuatu’s golden passport program has attracted scrutiny, as investigations indicate it has been exploited by criminal networks to gain access to the EU and UK. According to a report in The Guardian, many applicants for Vanuatu citizenship are implicated in offshore business dealings, raising concerns over the integrity and security of the program.

Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship presents a significant development in his legal situation, particularly given the alleged charges against him. Vanuatu’s golden passport program offers a quick and efficient route to citizenship, albeit with controversial implications. This situation raises critical questions regarding international law enforcement and the need for stringent regulations around citizenship programs.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in