No Case, No Investigation, No Tax: Lalit Modi Acquires Citizenship of a Safe Country; Is it Impossible to Bring Him Back to India?

No Case, No Investigation, No Tax: Lalit Modi Acquires Citizenship of a Safe Country; Is it Impossible to Bring Him Back to India?

Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has reportedly applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London.

In a significant development, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has acquired the citizenship of another country and has allegedly renounced his Indian citizenship. Lalit Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed this news on Friday.

“The application to surrender his passport has been submitted at the Indian High Commission in London,” said MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal.

“His request will be processed in accordance with existing rules and procedures. We have been informed that he has acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu. We will continue our legal proceedings against him under the law,” he added.

It is reported that Lalit Modi has acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation. Indian investigative agencies have declared Modi as an economic offender, and he has been granted citizenship by the island nation of Vanuatu. Modi had left India in 2010 and has been residing in London ever since.

Why Vanuatu?

Many are questioning why Lalit Modi chose Vanuatu. One possible reason could be to avoid Indian laws. Additionally, it is believed that Vanuatu’s “Golden Passport” scheme might have influenced his decision. Vanuatu offers citizenship through a “Golden Passport” program, allowing wealthy individuals to purchase citizenship. Vanuatu also has no personal income tax, meaning that individuals don’t need to pay taxes to the Vanuatu government on income earned anywhere else. This could be why Lalit Modi chose Vanuatu.

IPL Scandal: Investigations into Corruption?

Lalit Modi is wanted by Indian investigative agencies in connection with allegations of misappropriating millions of rupees during his tenure as the president of the IPL.

While serving as the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Lalit Modi faced accusations of illegal bidding, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999. He had once appeared before the Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigators in Mumbai. In May 2010, he fled the country and escaped to Britain.

#CitizenshipQuickFix | Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairperson and a fugitive, has once again made headlines after acquiring citizenship of Vanuatu, a small island nation in the Pacific. This controversial move follows his application to surrender his Indian passport at the High… pic.twitter.com/ICaF4mcw0j

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In 2009, due to the general elections in India, the IPL had to be shifted to South Africa. After the 2010 IPL final, Lalit Modi was banned by the BCCI for alleged misuse of funds, misconduct, and financial irregularities related to the bidding for new franchises like Pune and Kochi. He has been accused of financial misconduct and unauthorized money transfers from his office.

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