Lalit Modi has had his island dreams dashed after Vanuatu canceled his passport because Interpol rejected Indian authority’s request to issue an alert. Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat instructed the Citizenship Commission to begin proceedings to cancel the Indian Premier League (IPL) founder’s Vanuatu passport.
He highlighted that despite Modi’s no criminal convictions, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) had rejected Indian requests to issue an alert on the billionaire because of insufficient evidence. Napat said they had done all background checks, including Interpol screenings, and there were no criminal convictions.
However, the Vanuatu prime minister was informed in the past 24 hours that Interpol had twice declined Indian authorities’ requests to issue an alert notice on Lalit Modi. They cited alack of substantial judicial evidence. Such an alert would have automatically rejected the businessman fugitive’s Vanuatu citizenship application.
Napat added that the Vanuatu government has strengthened the due diligence process for its citizenship by investment program. As such, the island nation is seeing more applications failing enhanced scrutiny by the Vanuatu financial intelligence unit.
Why is Lalit Modi Wanted in India?
Lalit Modi, 61, was the first chairman and League Commissioner of the IPL. He was also the vice president of the BCCI. The businessman was suspended from BCCI over misconduct, indiscipline and financial irregularities. Several investigative agencies have filed over two dozen cases of financial irregularities, money laundering and criminal cases against Modi.
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The billionaire also has cases related to FEMA violations – ownership of IPL franchisee, nature of foreign investments and valuation of shares and transfers thereof in respect of some franchisees are under the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe.
Amid ongoing investigations, Lalit Modi moved to London in 2010. He recently came into the limelight for applying with the Indian High Commission in London to surrender his Indian passport.
