Lalit Modi News: Fugitive IPL Founder Now Takes Vanuatu Citizenship, Extradition Becomes Difficult

Lalit Modi Latest News: The founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and fugitive businessman, Lalit Modi, has once again increased India's concern. According to the latest reports, Lalit Modi has now taken citizenship of Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, making it more challenging for the Indian government to bring him back. Modi, who is wanted by the ED (Enforcement Directorate) and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) on charges of money laundering and embezzlement of crores of rupees, has been absconding since 2010.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Lalit Modi has also applied to the Indian High Commission in London to surrender his Indian passport. This major development has raised questions about whether the Indian government will be able to extradite Lalit Modi now.

✅ Lalit Modi Surrenders Indian Passport – MEA Confirms

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Lalit Modi has officially applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the matter, stating:

“Lalit Modi has submitted an application to surrender his Indian passport. This request will be considered as per the existing rules and guidelines. Additionally, we have been informed that he has obtained the citizenship of Vanuatu.”

The Indian government has been pursuing Lalit Modi since 2010 when he left India after being accused of financial irregularities during his tenure as the IPL Chairman. Modi has been living in London since his departure and has now secured Vanuatu citizenship, making his extradition from Vanuatu to India extremely difficult.

✅ Why Will It Be Difficult to Bring Lalit Modi Back to India?

Although Lalit Modi has been declared a fugitive economic offender in India, bringing him back from Vanuatu will now pose a major challenge for the Indian government due to the following reasons:

1. No Extradition Treaty with Vanuatu

• India and Vanuatu do not have any extradition treaty, which means the Indian government has no legal right to request Vanuatu to hand over Lalit Modi.
• In the absence of such a treaty, even if the CBI, ED, or Interpol tries to act against him, Vanuatu may refuse to cooperate.

2. Tax-Free Country with No Financial Records

• Vanuatu is known as a tax-free country, where there is no income tax, corporate tax, or property tax.
• The government of Vanuatu does not maintain records of wealth, income, or assets, making it extremely difficult to trace Modi's wealth.

3. Powerful Passport Access

• With a Vanuatu passport, Lalit Modi can now travel to over 120 countries, including the United Kingdom and European countries, without a visa.
• This makes it easier for him to move freely across countries, escaping legal proceedings.

4. Limited Legal Jurisdiction

• The Vanuatu government operates with minimal intervention in international matters.
• Therefore, Indian law enforcement agencies like CBI, ED, or Income Tax Department have no legal jurisdiction in Vanuatu.

✅ How Did Lalit Modi Get Vanuatu Citizenship?

Vanuatu is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, with a population of around 3 lakh people. It is widely known for providing Golden Passports to rich individuals worldwide. According to international reports, Lalit Modi obtained his Vanuatu citizenship through a Golden Passport Program by paying a significant amount of money.

Golden Passport Program in Vanuatu

💡 This means Lalit Modi obtained his citizenship in just one month without even visiting Vanuatu physically.