Vanuatu Revokes Passport of Fugitive IPL Founder Lalit Modi

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the cancellation of the passport granted to ex-IPL founder Lalit Modi, following revelations of his attempts to evade extradition. Modi, who sought citizenship in Vanuatu after leaving India in 2010, faces allegations of financial misconduct during his IPL tenure.

In a decisive move, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat has ordered the revocation of Lalit Modi's Vanuatu passport. The former IPL founder had been granted the passport despite claims of attempting to evade extradition, revealed by recent international media reports.

Lalit Modi, who left India in 2010 and is based in London, sought citizenship in the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu. Despite completing standard background checks, new information emerged about his criminal charges, spurring the decision to annul his citizenship.

Vanuatu's government has confirmed the enhancement of its 'Citizenship by Investment Programme,' focusing on heightened scrutiny through triple-agency checks. The Indian government, lacking a direct diplomatic mission in Vanuatu, is working through its New Zealand high commission to manage this complex diplomatic and legal saga.