10 March, 2025; In a significant development, Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the country’s Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport issued to fugitive businessman Lalit Modi. This decision comes in the wake of international media reports highlighting Modi’s status as a fugitive and his alleged misuse of Vanuatu’s citizenship program.
Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been on the run from Indian authorities for several years, facing allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering. Despite his fugitive status, Modi managed to obtain Vanuatu citizenship through the country’s Citizenship by Investment program, which allows individuals to acquire a passport by making significant financial contributions.
Reports in international media exposed this loophole, prompting the Vanuatu government to take swift action. Prime Minister Napat’s directive signals a strong stance against individuals using the country’s citizenship program to evade justice. “We cannot allow Vanuatu’s name to be tarnished by individuals who have legal cases against them in their home countries,” a government spokesperson stated.
The move also aligns with Vanuatu’s recent efforts to tighten its citizenship regulations. The country has been under scrutiny from international organizations due to concerns about its passport issuance policies. By revoking Modi’s passport, Vanuatu aims to reinforce its commitment to transparency and credibility in its citizenship program.
Meanwhile, Indian authorities continue to seek Lalit Modi’s extradition. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other investigative agencies have been pursuing him for financial misconduct, but he has remained beyond their reach, living in exile in the UK and other jurisdictions. The cancellation of his Vanuatu passport could further restrict his ability to travel freely and increase pressure on him to face legal proceedings in India.
This development highlights the growing global crackdown on fugitives using foreign citizenship as a shield against prosecution. As governments worldwide tighten regulations, individuals with pending criminal cases may find it increasingly difficult to exploit such loopholes.
The Vanuatu government’s action against Modi sets a precedent for stricter vetting of applicants under its citizenship programs. It remains to be seen whether other countries will follow suit in revoking passports issued to controversial figures seeking safe havens abroad.
