New Delhi: In a strategic move to evade Indian law, former Indian Premier League (IPL) chief and prominent businessman Lalit Modi has renounced his Indian citizenship and acquired citizenship of the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. TV9 correspondent Manish Jha, through his international sources, has obtained a copy of Lalit Modi’s new passport. According to information accessed by Manish Jha, Modi spent crores of rupees to secure Vanuatu’s citizenship. By relinquishing his Indian nationality and obtaining a foreign passport, the process of his extradition to India has become significantly more complex.
When and why did Lalit Modi flee India?
Lalit Modi fled to London in 2010 after facing serious allegations of financial irregularities, money laundering, and corruption. India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been investigating multiple cases against him, and Indian courts have issued orders summoning him to appear before the law. He has been accused of embezzling crores of rupees through IPL media rights and franchise deals.
What are the charges against Lalit Modi?
•Money Laundering: Allegations of financial mismanagement in IPL media rights and broadcasting deals.
•Foreign Exchange Law (FEMA) Violations: Illegally transferring crores of rupees abroad without permission.
•Benami Properties: Acquiring properties abroad through illegal means.
The Indian government and ED have been attempting to extradite Lalit Modi for years. However, his decision to acquire Vanuatu citizenship has made this process even more challenging.
Why did he choose Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, often considered a “tax haven.” The country runs a “Golden Visa Program,” which allows individuals to acquire citizenship in exchange for a significant financial investment. Crucially, Vanuatu does not have an extradition treaty with India or most other countries, making it a safe refuge for those facing legal troubles.
Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu passport number, RV0191750, lists his full name as Lalit Kumar Modi, his place of birth as New Delhi, and his date of birth as November 29, 1963. The passport was issued on December 30, 2024, meaning it is just 54 days old. TV9 also possesses a copy of the photograph Lalit Modi submitted for his passport, along with a copy of his now-invalidated Indian passport.
Following in Mehul Choksi’s footsteps
Lalit Modi’s case closely mirrors that of fugitive Indian diamond trader Mehul Choksi. In 2017, Choksi acquired Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship. When India attempted to extradite him, he leveraged his foreign nationality and legal loopholes to evade extradition. To date, India has been unable to bring him back.
Now, Lalit Modi appears to be following the same playbook. With his Vanuatu citizenship, his Indian passport has been automatically canceled, and India’s legal options to pursue him have become severely limited.
Can India still bring Lalit Modi back?
The Indian government can still pursue diplomatic and legal measures to bring Modi back, but the lack of an extradition treaty with Vanuatu makes it extremely difficult.
What happens next?
•India may request Interpol to issue a Red Notice against Lalit Modi.
•Diplomatic pressure could be exerted on Vanuatu.
•Legal action could be taken under global anti-money laundering laws.
For now, it appears that Lalit Modi’s move to evade Indian law may be successful. The next challenge for India is to devise a strategy to counter his escape and ensure that he faces justice.
