Lalit Modi Ditches India: Seeks New Life in Vanuatu
Lalit Modi Wants to Surrender Indian Passport, Now a Citizen of Vanuatu
Former IPL Chief Seeks to Give Up Indian Citizenship
Lalit Modi, the controversial former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has applied to surrender his Indian passport after acquiring citizenship of Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that his request is under review, even as legal cases against him continue in India.
Lalit Modi Applies to Surrender Indian Passport
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA, confirmed on Friday that Modi had submitted an application at the Indian High Commission in London.
“Lalit Modi has made an application for surrendering his passport in the High Commission of India, London. The same will be examined in light of extant rules and procedures,” said Jaiswal.
The Indian authorities are also aware of his Vanuatu citizenship status and maintain that the legal cases against him will proceed as per Indian laws.
Why is Lalit Modi Under Investigation?
Lalit Modi, credited with launching the IPL in 2008, is currently facing multiple investigations related to financial irregularities. Some key allegations against him include:
- Foreign Exchange Violations: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing him over alleged forex violations.
- TV Rights Deal Scam: A controversial ₹425-crore deal with World Sports Group for IPL 2009 is under investigation.
- Financial Misconduct: Modi was accused of misconduct and rigging bids for two IPL franchises (Pune and Kochi) in 2010.
After just one interrogation session with the Income Tax and ED authorities in Mumbai, Modi left India for London in May 2010 and has not returned since.
Rise and Fall of Lalit Modi in Indian Cricket
Lalit Modi played a key role in creating the IPL, a tournament that has since become one of the world’s biggest sporting leagues. He transformed cricket with a mix of entertainment and high-stakes business, attracting massive sponsorships and media rights deals.
However, his downfall began in 2010 when he was suspended from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Following investigations, he was banned for life in 2013 after being found guilty of financial misconduct and bid rigging.
Vanuatu: A New Home for Lalit Modi
Modi has now acquired citizenship of Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific, known for its Citizenship by Investment program. The country offers a fast-track citizenship process through a non-refundable donation or investment. For a single applicant, the cost is approximately $155,000 (₹1.3 crore), making it one of the cheapest countries for second citizenship.
Vanuatu consists of more than 80 islands and has a population of around 3 lakh people. It gained independence from France and Britain in 1980 and is known for its tax-free regime, which makes it attractive for individuals looking for a new nationality.
Legal Battle Continues
Despite surrendering his passport, Modi is not off the hook. Indian agencies continue to pursue legal action against him. In 2015, a special court in Mumbai issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him in connection with a money laundering case.
While Modi has denied all allegations and maintains his innocence, his decision to obtain Vanuatu citizenship raises questions about his future plans and whether India can still bring him to justice.
Lalit Modi’s attempt to renounce his Indian citizenship and settle in Vanuatu adds a new twist to his long-running legal saga. With multiple investigations still ongoing, it remains to be seen whether he can completely evade accountability in India.
