Vanuatu PM cancels Lalit Modi's passport
What's the story
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has ordered the cancellation of Lalit Modi's Vanuatu passport.
His decision comes after reports that Interpol rejected India's request for an alert notice twice due to lack of judicial evidence.
"Any such alert would have triggered an automatic rejection of Mr. Modi's citizenship application," the statement issued by PM Napat read.
Napat added, "I have instructed the citizenship commission to immediately begin proceedings to cancel Lalit Modi's Vanuatu passport."
Extradition avoidance
PM Napat clarifies the reason behind cancelation
PM Napat clarified that holding a Vanuatu passport was a privilege, not a right. He emphasized that applicants must have legitimate reasons for seeking citizenship.
"None of those legitimate reasons include attempting to avoid extradition, which the recent facts brought to light clearly indicate was Lalit Modi's intention," he added.
Statement
Process includes triple-agency checks
The statement went on to say that the Vanuatu government has considerably improved the due diligence aspect of its citizenship by investment program over the last four years.
According to the Prime Minister's office, this has resulted in a significant surge in applications failing to pass the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit's heightened examination.
"The improved process implemented several years ago includes triple-agency checks, including Interpol verification," according to the statement.
Dual citizenship
Lalit Modi's application to surrender Indian passport
Modi, who has received citizenship from the Pacific island nation, has already requested to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed his request would be considered under extant rules and procedures.
An MEA spokesperson said, "We are also given to understand that Lalit Modi has acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu. We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law."
Ban
Modi left India in 2010
Modi left India in 2010. He is wanted in India for allegedly embezzling crores while serving as IPL commissioner.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered the case against Modi in December 2012 following a complaint by former BCCI chief N Srinivasan with the Chennai police in October 2010, alleging Modi and others embezzled money in the award of BCCI-IPL cricketing media rights in 2009.
Since leaving India, he is believed to be living in London.