Interpol is one of the largest international organisations dedicated to law enforcement, coordinating cooperation between the police forces of over 190 countries worldwide. One of the primary tools it uses to facilitate international justice is its system of notices. Among these, the most serious is Interpol's Red Notice, which essentially acts as an International Arrest Warrant .
A Red Notice is a request for the arrest and temporary detention of an individual sought by law enforcement authorities of a particular country for extradition. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant, but it allows law enforcement agencies of Interpol member countries to detain the individual for subsequent transfer to the country that initiated the request.
A Red Notice can be issued for individuals suspected or accused of committing serious criminal offences. This may include crimes such as terrorism, murder, kidnapping, sexual offences, drug trafficking-related crimes, and acts of corruption. However, issuing a notice requires adherence to certain legal standards, including the existence of an active arrest warrant or a similar decision by a competent authority.
The primary function of an Interpol wanted list is to alert member states that an individual is sought for extradition or legal proceedings. As part of this process, it involves promptly informing all participating countries of the need to arrest and temporarily detain the individual if they are found within their territory. However, the extradition procedure depends on bilateral or multilateral agreements between states.
The process of checking for an Interpol Red Notice against you can be complex and requires attention to detail. Interpol does not always publicly disclose information about the existence of notices, and individuals may be unaware of a notice until they face the consequences. However, there are several ways to verify whether a Red Notice has been issued against you.
The first step to check for a Red Notice is to visit the official Interpol website. On the Interpol site, under the "Public Red Notices" section, you can find information about individuals who are on Interpol's Red Notice list. However, it's important to understand that not all notices are made publicly available, as Interpol maintains confidentiality regarding certain cases.
Another key tool is applying to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF), an independent body responsible for protecting human rights and can assist with verifying the presence of a notice. The Commission considers request for access to personal data and can provide information on whether an individual is listed in INTERPOL's database. The process of submitting a request requires strict adherence to procedures, and it is advisable to seek assistance from a qualified solicitor.
If you believe that an Interpol red notice has been issued unlawfully or with irregularities, there is a procedure to challenge it. The process is quite complex and requires the involvement of professional solicitors familiar with international law and Interpol procedures.
Challenging an Interpol Red Notice begins with submitting an official request to the Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF). The applicant must provide substantial evidence that the notice was issued in violation of international law norms or the Interpol Constitution. For instance, if the notice was issued for political reasons or infringes on human rights, this could serve as grounds for its annulment.
Interpol solicitors can assist in gathering the necessary evidence, preparing arguments, and representing the client's interests before the Commission.
The duration of an Interpol red notice can vary depending on the specific case. The notice can remain active until the competent authorities of the requesting country decide to cancel it or until an agreement is reached regarding the extradition of the individual . Interpol periodically reviews all active notices to ensure their legality and relevance.
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of instances where red notices have been used for purposes unrelated to the administration of justice, raising significant concerns within the international community. For example, in 2021-2022, there were recorded instances where notices were utilised for the political persecution of opponents or to exert economic pressure on businessmen.
Reports from human rights organisations mention instances where red notices have been used to persecute individuals for personal, political, economic, or military reasons. In some countries, red notices have been employed to target journalists, political activists, or businesspeople, which directly contravenes Article 3 of Interpol's constitution that prohibits the use of the organisation for political purposes.
If you find yourself in a situation where an Interpol Red Notice has been issued against you, it's imperative to seek legal assistance immediately. Competent Interpol Red Notice lawyers can conduct a review, challenge the notice, and make preventive request to Interpol . International cases require a high level of knowledge of the laws of various countries and international treaties, so it's crucial to entrust your defence only to professionals.