Lalit Modi has acquired citizenship in Vanuatu, a decision confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs amid ongoing legal issues involving money laundering and tax evasion. Vanuatu’s golden passport program makes citizenship accessible with minimal documentation. While the program attracts many wealthy individuals, it has also been criticized for potential exploitation by criminals.
Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman and a fugitive, recently garnered attention for acquiring Vanuatu citizenship, confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. This development occurs 15 years after he fled to the United Kingdom amid allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London, while India continues its legal pursuits against him.
This decision by Modi to obtain Vanuatu citizenship came after years of legal struggles and presents a new challenge for Indian authorities seeking his extradition. Vanuatu, which has a modest population, offers a golden passport program that enables wealthy individuals to acquire citizenship for USD 150,000, requiring minimal documentation and enabling online submission. The expedited process typically takes one month, allowing applicants to obtain a passport without personally visiting the country.
Vanuatu’s citizenship program is particularly attractive as it allows visa-free access to over 120 countries, including the UK and several European states. Additionally, the island nation is known as a tax haven with no income or corporate taxes. The country has experienced increased interest in its citizenship offerings, especially among Indians and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), with numerous applicants receiving citizenship in recent years.
Nonetheless, the Vanuatu passport program faces scrutiny due to its potential exploitation by criminal organizations, providing a perceived back-door to the EU and UK. Previous investigations have indicated that many applicants are connected to offshore businesses, casting a shadow on the program’s integrity. The ramifications of Modi’s citizenship acquisition could complicate ongoing efforts for his extradition and legal accountability in India.
Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship underscores the complexities arising from his fugitive status. Vanuatu’s appealing golden passport program facilitates rapid citizenship acquisition while raising concerns of potential misuse by criminal entities. As India continues to pursue legal actions against Modi, the implications of his new citizenship remain significant and troubling for Indian authorities.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
