The government of Vanuatu has announced that it will be canceling the passport of Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman who is wanted by Indian authorities on charges of corruption and money laundering. The decision comes after Vanuatu received an extradition request from India.
Modi has been living in Vanuatu since 2010, after he was accused of financial irregularities in the IPL. He has denied all charges against him.
The Vanuatu government has not yet released a statement on the matter. However, a source close to the government said that the decision to cancel Modi’s passport was made after “careful consideration” of India’s extradition request.
It is unclear when Modi’s passport will be canceled. However, once it is, he will no longer be able to travel to Vanuatu or any other country that has a visa-free agreement with Vanuatu.
Modi is likely to appeal the decision to cancel his passport. If he is successful, he will be able to continue to live in Vanuatu. However, if his appeal is rejected, he will be forced to leave the country.
The move by Vanuatu is a significant development in the case against Modi. It is also a sign that the country is taking India’s extradition request seriously.