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New Delhi: In a strategic legal maneuver, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has renounced his Indian citizenship and acquired citizenship of Vanuatu, a small Pacific island nation. This move significantly complicates India’s ongoing extradition efforts, as Vanuatu does not have an extradition treaty with India.
According to TV9 journalist Manish Jha, Modi spent crores of rupees to obtain Vanuatu’s citizenship, and his new passport confirms his legal escape route.
Why Did Lalit Modi Flee India?
Lalit Modi fled to London in 2010 after being accused of financial irregularities, money laundering, and corruption linked to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Key Allegations Against Lalit Modi:
- Money Laundering: Misappropriation of funds in IPL media rights and broadcasting deals.
- FEMA Violations: Illegally transferring crores of rupees abroad.
- Benami Properties: Acquiring assets abroad through illegal means.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been attempting to extradite Modi for years, but his latest move has made that task even harder.
Why Did Lalit Modi Choose Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is known as a "tax haven" and offers a Golden Visa Program, allowing individuals to acquire citizenship in exchange for financial investment.
Why Vanuatu?
No extradition treaty with India
Quick and easy citizenship process
A safe refuge for fugitives
Modi’s New Passport Details:
- Full Name: Lalit Kumar Modi
- Place of Birth: New Delhi
- Date of Birth: November 29, 1963
- Passport Number: RV0191750
- Issue Date: December 30, 2024 (Just 54 days old)
With this new passport, his Indian citizenship has been automatically canceled, further reducing India’s ability to extradite him.
Following in Mehul Choksi’s Footsteps?
Modi’s move mirrors the escape strategy of Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond trader involved in the PNB scam.
Choksi acquired Antiguan citizenship in 2017, leveraging legal loopholes to evade extradition to India. Despite multiple attempts, India has been unable to bring him back.
Similarly, Lalit Modi has now secured a legal shield, making it nearly impossible for Indian authorities to force his return.
Can India Still Bring Lalit Modi Back?
Despite this legal setback, the Indian government has a few options to pursue Modi:
Request Interpol to issue a Red Notice
Apply diplomatic pressure on Vanuatu
Seek legal action under global anti-money laundering laws
However, without an extradition treaty, these measures face significant challenges.
What Happens Next?
For now, Lalit Modi appears to have successfully evaded Indian law. The bigger challenge for India is to develop a strategy to counter his escape and ensure he faces justice.
