Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has had his Vanuatu passport canceled due to growing concerns that he is attempting to evade extradition to India. The decision was made by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat, who ordered the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission to revoke Modi’s passport. This follows the revelation that Modi, who has been a fugitive since 2010, is wanted by Indian authorities for allegedly embezzling large sums of money during his tenure as IPL chairman.

Modi’s Fugitive Status and Extradition Issues

Since leaving India in 2010, Modi has lived in London, and in recent months, he applied to the Indian High Commission in London to surrender his Indian passport. His Vanuatu citizenship had come under scrutiny after concerns were raised that he might be using it as a shield to evade extradition proceedings.

Indian authorities have been pursuing legal action against Modi for his alleged involvement in financial misconduct related to the IPL. Despite this, there have been legal complications due to the lack of sufficient evidence, leading to Interpol’s rejection of two requests from India to issue a red notice against him.

PM Napat’s Statement and Passport Cancellation

Prime Minister Jotham Napat responded to international media reports about Modi’s fugitive status by instructing the Citizenship Commission to cancel his Vanuatu passport. Napat emphasized that citizenship by investment is a privilege, and the legitimate reasons for seeking citizenship must be clear. He stated that Modi’s intention to avoid extradition was not a valid reason for citizenship.

Napat also explained that background checks on Modi did not show criminal convictions. However, he was informed that Interpol had rejected Indian requests for a notice against Modi due to insufficient evidence, which raised concerns about his citizenship application.

Increased Scrutiny and Legal Tensions

In response to growing concerns over fraudulent applications, the Vanuatu government has tightened its due diligence process for the citizenship by investment program. Modi’s case has added to the ongoing legal and diplomatic tensions surrounding his fugitive status and the IPL financial crime investigations. Indian authorities continue to pursue legal avenues to hold him accountable for his alleged involvement in embezzling IPL-related funds.

The cancellation of Modi’s passport highlights the ongoing complexity of international extradition processes and the challenges of bringing fugitives to justice when facing such legal hurdles.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Super Iron Foundry, Paradeep Parivahan.

The Current active IPO is PDP Shipping & Projects.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.