Lalit Modi Acquires Citizenship in Vanuatu Amid Legal Troubles
Lalit Modi, ex-IPL chairperson, has obtained Vanuatu citizenship amid ongoing legal troubles, including money laundering allegations. Vanuatu offers a lucrative golden passport program with few requirements and fast processing. This has raised concerns regarding potential abuses of the system by criminal elements. The situation presents a complex intersection of immigration, legality, and international finance.
Lalit Modi, former chairperson of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a fugitive, has recently acquired citizenship from Vanuatu, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This development occurs 15 years after he fled to the United Kingdom amid allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London, which will be evaluated in accordance with existing regulations.
The decision to acquire Vanuatu citizenship is significant, considering Modi’s ongoing legal issues. With Vanuatu’s population under 350,000, its golden passport program allows wealthy individuals to obtain citizenship for a fee of USD 150,000 (approximately INR 1.3 crore). The process is remarkably expedited, taking only a month and requiring minimal documentation that can be completed online, thereby eliminating the need to visit the nation in person.
Vanuatu’s passport program is noted for being one of the fastest and least demanding globally, contributing nearly 40% of the nation’s revenue, especially during the Covid pandemic. The Vanuatu passport offers visa-free access to over 120 countries, such as the United Kingdom and several European nations, while the government imposes no income, corporate, or wealth taxes. This makes Vanuatu increasingly attractive to Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs), with at least 30 Indians reportedly obtaining citizenship in the last two years.
However, the golden passport initiative has faced scrutiny due to its potential exploitation by criminal organizations, granting back-door access to EU and UK territories. Investigative reports indicate that many applicants were linked to dubious offshore enterprises, thus highlighting issues within this citizenship acquisition framework.
In conclusion, Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship underscores the interplay between legal challenges and opportunities associated with global citizenship programs. Vanuatu’s golden passport initiative, while financially advantageous, has garnered criticism for possible misuse by individuals with criminal backgrounds. The continued pursuit of legal action against Modi remains crucial, even as he navigates this complex landscape of international citizenship.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
