Being subject to an international arrest warrant can be a very unsettling experience. Unsurprisingly, in a globalized world, where country borders do not confine criminal activity, the number of such arrest warrants rises steadily. And while international warrants play a crucial role in facilitating the arrest and extradition of criminals across borders, ensuring that individuals facing criminal charges cannot escape prosecution by simply leaving the country, they are often incorrect or motivated by invalid reasons. Since there isn’t one specific International Arrest Warrant, the following international prosecution tools can prepare for a suspect’s arrest and extradition:

• Interpol Red Notices,
• The European Arrest Warrant (EAW),
• The International Criminal Court (ICC) Arrest Warrant

At Schlun & Elseven, our main priority is to protect the rights and freedom of our clients, especially when unjustly faced with the intricacies of international law. We analyze the warrants that can lead to our client’s arrest and potential extradition and build the best possible defense strategy accordingly. Our team of expert extradition lawyers has extensive experience in defending clients from being extradited.

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, 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. 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) has significantly expanded the efficiency of cross-border extradition within the European Union. Its purpose is the simplified and accelerated enforcement of a national arrest warrant within another member state.  

In some cases, extradition is permissible even if the suspect’s doing does not constitute a criminal offense under the law of the requested state. The list of criminal offenses in the framework decision about the EAW enumerates the crimes that qualify for an EAW regardless of the criminal liability in the individual member states. These include, for example, involvement in a criminal organization, terrorism, human trafficking, aiding and abetting illegal entry and residence and corruption.   

The principle of mutual recognition is a fundamental element of the European Arrest Warrant. 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) can issue arrest warrants for individuals accused of committing international crimes, such as war crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity. ICC Arrest Warrants depend on the member countries and their level of cooperation in the arrest and surrender of the accused individual.

On March 17th, 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. While it has not led to the arrest of either of them, it minimizes their ability to travel freely without the risk of being arrested immensely.

Our team of extradition lawyers conducts a comprehensive legal analysis of your case. We make sure to investigate the specifics of the warrant, i.e., examining its validity, legality and any possible discrepancies to identify the weaknesses that could be exploited in your defense. We further engage with relevant authorities and utilize diplomatic channels for fast and effective communication. With us as your legal counsel, you can rest assured that we will explore all available legal venues to prevent your extradition and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Our team understands the great fear and stress an international arrest warrant can bring our clients. With our extensive knowledge of extradition law and our commitment to providing our clients with the best possible defense, you can be sure that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and care. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a confidential consultation if you or a loved one faces the threat of an international arrest warrant.