Lalit Modi, the ex-IPL chairman, has acquired Vanuatu citizenship amid ongoing legal issues, facing money laundering and tax evasion charges. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed his application to surrender his Indian passport. Vanuatu’s golden passport program, requiring minimal documentation, offers citizenship for USD 150,000, providing visa-free access to many countries. The program’s potential misuse by criminal syndicates raises important security concerns.
Lalit Modi, former chairperson of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has recently acquired citizenship in Vanuatu, an island nation in the Pacific. This action comes after Modi, facing serious allegations of money laundering and tax evasion, fled to the United Kingdom fifteen years ago. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed this development during a recent media briefing, noting that Modi applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA, stated, “Lalit Modi has made an application for surrender of his passport at the High Commission of India in London. The same will be examined in light of extant rules and procedures.” Jaiswal further mentioned that India’s pursuit of legal action against Modi is ongoing, despite challenges in the extradition process.
Vanuatu’s appeal lies in its golden passport program, which allows individuals to acquire citizenship for approximately USD 150,000. The application process is streamlined, requiring minimal documentation, and can be completed within a month without the need to visit the country. The program is regarded as one of the fastest and most accessible routes for obtaining citizenship, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
A Vanuatu passport permits visa-free access to over 120 countries, including the UK and many European nations, making it an attractive option for affluent individuals. Furthermore, Vanuatu operates as a tax haven, lacking income, corporate, or wealth taxes. Recent reports highlight a growing interest among Indians, with approximately thirty individuals obtaining Vanuatu citizenship in the last two years.
However, the golden passport initiative has faced scrutiny due to allegations of misuse by criminal organizations, raising concerns about its impact on global security. Investigations indicate that several applicants have connections to offshore enterprises, hinting at potential risks associated with the program.
In conclusion, Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship reflects both his need for refuge amid serious legal challenges and the appeal of Vanuatu’s lucrative golden passport program. This program promises rapid citizenship acquisition with minimal barriers, notwithstanding concerns regarding its exploitation by criminal elements. Modi’s situation underscores the complexities surrounding international legal proceedings and citizenship regulations, particularly in nations with lax passport policies.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
