An Interpol Diffusion is, like an Interpol Red Notice, a request for international cooperation in criminal matters. It can have far-reaching consequences for the person targeted and their loved ones, as it can lead to an arrest and the subsequent extradition of the wanted individual. Despite being the lesser known, Interpol Diffusions are just as common as Red Notices. In 2021, the number of „Red Diffusions” surpassed the number of Red Notices – counting 11,282 Red Notices and 12,478 Red Diffusions.

If you suspect you are the subject of an Interpol Diffusion or Notice, it is important to act fast. Our Interpol and Extradition Lawyers recognize the urgency in such situations and offer extensive expertise to effectively navigate and address your concerns. We focus on rapidly securing the deletion of Interpol Diffusions and Notices to ensure a fast and successful resolution for our clients. Our legal professionals use their specialized knowledge and strategic approach to safeguard your rights and minimize any potential consequences stemming from Interpol’s actions.

According to Article 1 (14) of Interpol’s Rules of the Processing of Data, a Diffusion is defined as a „request for international cooperation or any international alert from a National Central Bureau or an international entity, sent directly to one or several National Central Bureaus or to one or several international entities, and simultaneously recorded in a police database of the Organization.“

Therefore, the Diffusion’s unique feature is, that it is circulated directly by a member country’s National Central Bureau (NCB) without prior processing through the General Secretariat. Diffusions must also comply with Interpol’s Constitution and the Rules on the Processing of Data and are checked for compliance by the Notices and Diffusions Task Force. Like the variety of Interpol Notices, Diffusions are colour-coded, so there are Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, Green, Purple, and Orange Diffusions.

As stated in Article 97 of Interpol’s Rules on the Processing of Data, the purposes for each Diffusion can be:

• to arrest, detain or restrict the movements of a convicted or accused person,
• to locate and trace,
• to obtain additional information,
• for identification purposes,
• to warn about a person’s criminal activities or
• for information purposes

The most common Diffusion is a Red Diffusion (“wanted person diffusion”), which is aimed at arresting, detaining, or restricting the movement of a convicted or accused person.

Although Interpol Diffusions play a significant role in enhancing global collaboration in criminal investigations, they are susceptible to misuse, potentially resulting in infringements on individual rights. Thus, prompt and well-informed legal assistance is indispensable for the individuals targeted.

Since Interpol Diffusions are directly circulated from one member country to another, they are not listed on Interpol’s Website or published anywhere else. To find out whether someone is targeted by a diffusion, a formal request to Interpol is necessary. Our lawyers are familiar with information requests and further communication with Interpol and foreign National Central Bureaus. If any indications lead you to believe that an Interpol alert concerns you, it is crucial to send a request as soon as possible and to prepare further actions. Being the target of an Interpol Notice or Diffusion puts you at constant risk of detention by national police authorities and makes international travel impossible.

Both Interpol Diffusions and Red Notices require identifying information about the individual sought, including a physical description, photograph, identity document numbers or fingerprints, and details of the alleged offense. The key distinction lies in how each is processed and disseminated. A Red Notice is issued by Interpol’s General Secretariat at the request of a member state and is verified before circulation. An Interpol Diffusion, by contrast, is circulated independently by the issuing member state through Interpol’s channels without prior verification by the General Secretariat. Article 78 (3) of Interpol’s Rules of the Processing of Data states that Interpol Diffusions are to be used where the information available is insufficient to support a Notice, or where the alert is not intended for all member states.

Leveraging our expertise in Interpol procedures, our team carefully examines the circumstances surrounding the Diffusion in question. Through a thorough analysis, we aim to identify grounds for its deletion, in order to present a compelling case to the relevant Interpol offices on behalf of our client. Importantly, the removal process for a Diffusion aligns with the rules governing the removal of a Red Notice, which can be the following:

• The Diffusion goes against the core principles outlined in the „Universal Declaration of Human Rights,“ as explicitly stated in Article 2(1) of Interpol’s Constitution.
• It is primarily used for political prosecution or is characterized by military, religious, or racial implications, as articulated in Article 3 of Interpol’s Constitution.
• The purported crime falls into Interpol’s list of excluded offenses for Red Notices, encompassing activities like prostitution, personal drug possession, adultery, abortion, or bigamy.
• Contradictory allegations of criminal activity, inconsistencies, and lack of clarity in the data.

Where any of these grounds apply, we will present a compelling case to the relevant Interpol offices and pursue the deletion of the Diffusion on your behalf.

If you or someone close to you is being targeted by Interpol, do not hesitate to reach out to our Interpol and Extradition Team now. We will thoroughly analyse a thorough analysis of the Interpol Diffusion or Notice, assess its validity, and identify any potential legal flaws or violations. Through effective communication with Interpol, we seek to expedite the deletion process, providing our clients with the necessary support and guidance during this challenging legal undertaking. If an individual is facing extradition, our team will work tirelessly on a defence strategy. Our top priority is to challenge the extradition request and ensure our client can move freely again.