How to check an Interpol Red Notice

What is an Interpol Red Notice?

An Interpol Red Notice is an official request from the law enforcement agencies of one country to Interpol, asking for assistance in locating and provisionally arresting an individual pending possible extradition. It is not an arrest warrant in the legal sense, but it signals to member countries of Interpol the need to detain the suspect. According to Article 82 of the Interpol Constitution, such notices are issued only at the request of competent authorities and must be accompanied by sufficient evidence proving the individual's involvement in criminal activities.

A Red Notice operates within the framework of international law and is closely linked to extradition procedures, which are governed by multilateral and bilateral agreements. For instance, the European Convention on Extradition and the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime establish procedures for cooperation between states on such matters.

Common reasons for issuing a red notice

INTERPOL, short for the International Criminal Police Organization, is a global body that facilitates cooperation and collaboration among law enforcement worldwide. Headquartered in Lyon, France, INTERPOL supports police forces in its 195 member countries by providing secure communication channels, databases, and expert assistance to combat transnational crime. Through tools like notices and alerts, INTERPOL helps track criminals, share critical information, and coordinate efforts to maintain global safety and security. A Red Notice is typically issued at the request of governments for the purpose of locating individuals suspected of serious criminal offences, such as:

• Participation in organised crime;
• Corruption and money laundering;
• Criminal offences related to terrorism;
• Drug legislation violations;
• Crimes related to cybercrime and fraud.

However, INTERPOL cannot compel the law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest someone who is the subject of a Red Notice.

How to check an Interpol red notice

A Red Notice issued by INTERPOL is an alert to law enforcement agencies worldwide, seeking the location and potential arrest of a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. While it is not an international arrest warrant, a Red Notice serves as a significant signal that an individual is wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence. If you or someone you know suspects they might be the subject of such a notice, there are two main methods to verify this: checking INTERPOL’s website and requesting information from the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF).

Check INTERPOL’s Website

One of the most straightforward methods to check for an active Red Notice is by visiting INTERPOL’s official website. INTERPOL maintains a publicly accessible database where a selection of Red Notices are published. Here’s how you can go about this:

• Navigate to the "Wanted Persons" section: On INTERPOL’s website, there is a section specifically dedicated to publicly displayed Red Notices. This section can be found under the “Crimes” or “Fugitives” category.
• Search for specific information: Use the search bar to input the full name of the individual in question. The results may include details such as photos, the individual’s name, date of birth, and the reason for the Red Notice.

It’s important to note that not all Red Notices are made public. INTERPOL may keep certain notices confidential at the request of member countries, especially if their disclosure could jeopardize ongoing investigations or personal safety. If the search yields no results, it does not necessarily mean that there is no Red Notice against the individual; the information may be restricted to law enforcement, and that’s when you should use the second method.

Requesting Information from the CCF

For a more thorough check or if there is no public listing found, another option is to request information directly from the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). The CCF is an independent body responsible for ensuring that the processing of personal data by INTERPOL is done in compliance with its rules. Here’s how to proceed:

• Submit a request: A written request should be sent to the CCF, which can be done via email or traditional mail. The request should include a clear statement indicating that the individual wishes to know if there is any data concerning them in INTERPOL’s databases. It is advisable to include personal details such as full name, date of birth, nationality, and any identifying documents.
• Prepare necessary documentation: Along with the request, attach copies of a government-issued ID or passport to verify the identity of the person seeking the information. This helps expedite the process and ensures that the inquiry is legitimate.

The response from CCF may take several weeks or months. They will notify the individual of their findings and whether any data, such as a Red Notice, exists. If such data is found, they will inform you of its nature and provide guidance on next steps.

What is the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF)?

The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) is an independent body within INTERPOL responsible for overseeing and ensuring that the organization processes personal data in compliance with its own rules and international standards. This commission plays a critical role in safeguarding individual rights related to the information stored and managed by INTERPOL.

Key Functions of the CCF

1. Supervisory Role: The CCF acts as a data protection body, monitoring how INTERPOL handles personal data to ensure that it aligns with both its constitution and the principles of international law. This helps maintain the integrity and accuracy of the information processed, stored, or exchanged by INTERPOL with its member countries.
2. Processing Requests: One of the most significant roles of the CCF is to handle requests from individuals who want to verify, challenge, or request the deletion of data held by INTERPOL. This is especially important for people concerned that a Red Notice or other alerts might unjustly or incorrectly target them. By submitting a request, an individual can gain clarity on whether their personal data is present in INTERPOL’s database and, if so, request a review of its accuracy and lawfulness.
3. Advisory and Investigative Functions: The CCF conducts thorough reviews of complaints and requests for data correction or deletion. When an individual submits a request, the CCF investigates to determine if the processing of the information adheres to INTERPOL’s data protection regulations and the organization's broader commitment to human rights. If violations or inaccuracies are found, the CCF can recommend corrective actions, including the amendment or deletion of data.

What to do if you suspect you're subject to a Red Notice

Upon discovering the presence of a notice or suspecting that one might be issued against you, you must take immediate action. Cooperate with law enforcement authorities is essential during the legal process. The situation calls for urgent legal advice, as Interpol notices can have a significant impact on your freedom of movement and professional activities.

Consultation with a solicitor

The first and most crucial step is to consult a qualified Interpol lawyer specialising in international criminal cases and extradition. An expert in international law will help you assess how legitimate the red notice is, as well as explain what steps can be taken to protect your rights. This is particularly important if the notice has been issued for political reasons or as a result of abuse of the international search system. International treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), protect against unlawful persecution at an international level, which can also be used in your defence.

Request for Access to Interpol Data

If you suspect that a notice has been issued concerning you, but it is not publicly accessible, you can submit an official request for access to your data through the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF). This body is responsible for reviewing the data stored in INTERPOL's systems and ensures that human rights are upheld during the data processing procedure. In your request, you can demand clarifications regarding the basis for the search and challenge the legitimacy of the red notice itself.