Decoding Interpol’s Public Database of Suspects
The „International Criminal Police Organization“, commonly known as Interpol maintains a public register on its official website featuring individuals wanted due to an Interpol Red Notice. A Red Notice is a request from an Interpol member state to fellow member states‘ law enforcement agencies to locate and temporarily detain an individual for potential extradition. It is important to clarify that not all Interpol Red Notices in circulation are listed on this public list; only those explicitly authorized for public release are published online.
Individuals concerned about being the subject of an Interpol Red Notice are cautioned against conducting searches for their name on third-party websites claiming to provide access to an Interpol database. Personal information could be intercepted, and your information is at risk of being used by the website for their own purposes, even if you have not otherwise contacted the site provider.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts specialising in extradition law and Interpol affairs through our encrypted contact form. With our deep understanding of Interpol’s procedures and protocols, we will promptly initiate a request on your behalf with the relevant Interpol office.
Prerequisites for an Interpol Red Notice
The consequences of a Red Notice are significant and emphasise the importance of comprehending the grounds for its issuance and how our extradition law team can support affected individuals in preparing their defence.
A Red Notice is requested by an Interpol member state to ascertain the whereabouts of a sought-after individual and to facilitate their detention for extradition. Such requests necessitate substantiating evidence that underlines the severity of the accusations and includes personal details like the suspect’s name, date of birth, nationality, and specifics regarding the alleged crime. The alleged crime must meet certain criteria. The offence must meet a minimum sentence requirement and must not be excluded by a designated set of offences outlined by Interpol, including the following:
- Abortion
- Adultery
- Bigamy/polygamy
- Conducting euthanasia
- Defamation
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances unless such behaviour led to physical harm of other individuals and/or considerable damage to property
- Homosexual acts
- Offences related to gestational surrogacy
- Offences related to a failure to pay child support or any form of alimony
- Prostitution
- Traffic violations
Legal Defence against Interpol Red Notices
Following a thorough examination of the circumstances and scrutiny of available evidence, we compile pertinent information for Interpol, presenting new insights that prompt the General Secretariat to reassess the request. If found non-compliant with Interpol’s regulations and constitutional framework, such requests are deleted and removed from all national databases.
For more Information, refer to our article on the Removal of Interpol Red Notices.
Interpol Alerts not Published on the „Most Wanted List“
As previously noted, it is important to recognise that not all active Red Notices are accessible on the Interpol website or other platforms. Moreover, Interpol issues various notices, such as the Diffusion, which are categorically not published on their website. Therefore, submitting a formal inquiry to Interpol is crucial to ascertain whether you are being pursued through their network.
Overview of Interpol Alerts
- Diffusions: Operating akin to Red Notices, Diffusions serve the purpose of locating individuals. They are frequently issued when evidence for a Red Notice is insufficient. Unlike other notices, Diffusions can be disseminated independently by member states via the Interpol network without prior submission to the General Secretariat for review. This unique characteristic however increases the risk of potential misuse.
- Purple Notices: These notices are deployed to gather intelligence on the activities of criminal individuals or groups. Police agencies seek information on items and equipment potentially utilised by criminal organisations and their hidden locations. Purple Notices are especially employed in cases involving piracy or poaching and aiding in the tracking of ships or similar assets.
- Blue Notices: These notices are aimed at gathering additional information regarding an individual’s identity, criminal history, current whereabouts, or activities linked to a crime. They can be issued pre-emptively, even before formal charges are filed. Individuals flagged by a Blue Notice might serve as witnesses or informants, offering crucial insights to aid in criminal investigations.
- Orange Notices: Issued by national police authorities, Orange Notices serve as warnings regarding specific events, objects, courses of action, or individuals deemed significant to law enforcement interests.
- Green Notices: Police authorities use Green Notices to alert one another about an individual’s criminal behaviour. These notices can include pertinent details relevant to the case at hand. Typically, the subject of a Green Notice has a history of criminal activity, with indicators suggesting further offences. Such cases often involve serial sexual crimes.
Interpol Notices: Beyond Presumptions
The public dissemination of such notices, whether through official channels like the Interpol website or through other means, can have far-reaching implications. It is important to emphasise that inclusion on the Interpol Most Wanted List, as well as the presence of an unpublished notice or diffusion, does not inherently imply guilt on the part of the individual in question. There are instances, where allegations stem from inaccurate information or political agendas, leading to erroneous listings. Therefore, it is entirely plausible for individuals to find themselves incorrectly featured on such lists.
Extradition & Interpol Lawyers by Schlun & Elseven
When faced with an Interpol Notice or Diffusion, the guidance of an experienced law firm becomes critical in securing a successful defence. To develop a compelling defence strategy, our extradition attorneys meticulously analyse and assess the evidence that led to the issuance of the Red Notice. Furthermore, our legal experts facilitate communication with foreign law enforcement agencies and Interpol authorities, aiming to rectify any misinterpretations and safeguard your rights throughout the process. Contact us directly via our secure contact form for immediate support.
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„Extradition & Interpol Lawyer – by Schlun & Elseven“ is a website for the Extradition & Interpol Taskforce of the renowned German Law firm Schlun & Elseven. Due to our extensive experience in worldwide extradition Law and various Interpol cases, we can offer full-service legal advice and comprehensive support you can trust.
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