Vanuatu Cancels Lalit Modi’s Passport Over Extradition Concerns

The island nation's Prime Minister cited recent revelations and concerns about misuse of its Citizenship by Investment program.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat directed the cancellation of Lalit Modi's passport, deeming his citizenship application illegitimate.
The move follows Indian authorities' request and media reports suggesting Modi sought Vanuatu citizenship to avoid extradition.
Interpol twice rejected India's requests for an alert notice on Modi due to insufficient judicial evidence, which would have blocked his citizenship approval.
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program has faced scrutiny, and the government claims to have strengthened due diligence in recent years.
Lalit Modi, the former IPL commissioner, has been living in London since 2010 and is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities in India.