Being subject to an international arrest warrant is a serious and potentially life-altering situation. An international arrest warrant can result in detention at any border crossing, the freezing of assets, and extradition to face criminal proceedings in a foreign country. While international warrants serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose, they are frequently based on incorrect information or issued for politically motivated reasons. It is important to understand that there is no single unified international arrest warrant. Several distinct legal mechanisms exist that can lead to cross-border arrest and extradition. These are

• Interpol Red Notices and Diffusions,
• the European Arrest Warrant,
• and International Criminal Court arrest warrants.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our extradition lawyers in Germany are committed to protecting the rights and freedom of clients facing international prosecution. We analyze every warrant that has led or could lead to arrest and extradition and build the strongest possible defense strategy accordingly. If you are subject to an international arrest warrant of any kind, contact us without delay.

Although not a warrant in itself, the Interpol Red Notice is among the more well-known prosecution mechanisms in international law. It serves as a tool among law enforcement authorities in Interpol’s member countries for cooperation in locating and apprehending fugitives. Based on a valid national arrest warrant, Interpol Red Notices are circulated between all 195 member countries of Interpol, who are requested to assist in arresting and extraditing the wanted person.

The relevance of Interpol Red Notices is also backed by the number of Red Notices published. At the end of 2021, 69.270 Red Notices were circulating. Critically, not all Red Notices are publicly visible on Interpol’s „Most Wanted List“. Many remain unpublished and are shared only within law enforcement networks, meaning you may be subject to a notice without being aware of it. Therefore, it is critical to have lawyers with extensive knowledge and experience in Interpol issues to help you determine whether you are the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and, if so, to get it removed effectively.

Read more about our team’s successes in removing Interpol Red Notices from Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The European Arrest Warrant (EAW) is a legal instrument that allows any EU member state to request the arrest and surrender of an individual located in another EU country. Its purpose is the simplified and accelerated enforcement of a national arrest warrant within another EU member state. Since its introduction, it has significantly expanded the efficiency of cross-border extradition within the EU. For individuals located outside the EU, it is important to understand that an EAW becomes relevant the moment you enter any EU member state.

In certain cases, extradition under an EAW is permissible even where the conduct in question would not constitute a criminal offense in the cointry where you are arrested. The offenses listed in the EAW Framework Decision qualify for extradition regardless of local criminal law. These include, for example, involvement in a criminal organization, terrorism, corruption, human trafficking, aiding and abetting illegal entry and residence.

The principle of mutual recognition is a fundamental element of the EAW. It is founded on trust and direct contact among the judicial authorities of the Member States. Due to this presumption of trust, the defense against a European Arrest Warrant is particularly demanding and requires the support of experienced experts.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands. It has jurisdiction over individuals accused of the most serious international crimes, including war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Unlike national courts, the ICC operates at a global level and may issue arrest warrants that apply across its member states. Enforcement depends on the willingness of member states to arrest and surrender the accused individual.
A notable recent example is the ICC arrest warrants issued on March 17, 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. While neither has been arrested, the warrants significantly restrict their ability to travel to member states without facing detention.

Our extradition lawyers in Germany begin every defense with a thorough analysis of your specific situation. We examine any international arrest warrant or Interpol Notice issued against you, assessing its validity, formal compliance, and underlying reasoning. Throughout the process, our team handles all communication with relevant authorities worldwide. We pursue every available legal measure to prevent extradition, secure the deletion of a Red Notice, or challenge a European Arrest Warrant.
We understand the immense personal and professional burden an international arrest warrant places on those affected. Our team works with urgency and dedication to protect your freedom at every stage. Contact us now through our secure contact form for a confidential consultation.