State authorities and international organizations highly prosecute international financial crimes, especially corruption offences. Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC) and the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), for example, cooperate and offer participating states investigative, operational and analytical support in combatting corruption.

However, the increased prosecution of corruption offences inevitably leads to innocent people and companies regularly coming under suspicion. Our experts in Interpol and extradition law have extensive experience in the financial field, particularly in defending clients against white-collar charges, and have helped numerous clients to expunge an Interpol Red Notice. If you suspect Interpol will target you, please do not hesitate to contact us using our secure and encrypted contact form. Our lawyers will request further information from Interpol Offices on whether you are the subject of an Interpol Notice and, if so, ensure to strengthen your position during the investigation process and protect your rights as an accused person.

Corruption comes in many forms and areas. It can be generally described as the abuse or exploitation of a position of power or trust to gain an advantage for oneself. It often occurs in politics, the police, law enforcement, and the economic sector. The most common offences are bribery, fraud, graft, extortion, embezzlement and influence peddling. In corruption cases, both sides are liable to prosecution and equally persecuted, i.e. both the bribe giver and the bribe taker.  

Corruption in Politics

A high proportion of corruption offences involve public officials. The subject of bribery in this area is often the obtaining of contracts or official approvals, the obtaining of subsidies or the passing on of confidential information. In addition, corruption in politics often takes place in the medical sector. Although corruption can occur on a grand scale in politics and business, it is often overlooked that even seemingly harmless benefits, such as accepting small gifts or restaurant visits, can constitute a criminal offence for officials.  

Corruption in Sports

Alongside the more commonly known political and police corruption, corruption cases in sport have become significantly more prominent in recent years. Such matters include more than just actions aimed at enriching oneself by influencing the results of sporting events. It also includes manipulating votes in sports organizations and awarding major sporting events. The awarding of the Olympic Games in 2000, the 2018 FIFA World Cup to Russia, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar were recently in the media spotlight. FIFA has also come under suspicion of corruption due to individual FIFA officials awarding sponsorship and marketing rights. In 2015, at the request of US authorities, Interpol Red Notices were issued for two former FIFA officials and four corporate executives because of corruption charges.

Alongside the consequences of being the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, being accused of corruption can bear heavy repercussions. Public officials or anyone in a position of trust may face immediate suspension or dismissal from their positions pending the criminal investigation. Individuals working in the private sector may also face termination or disciplinary action from their employers. Accusations of corruption can create permanent reputational damage and lead to long-lasting repercussions and difficulties in regaining employment. However, it is manageable to avoid long-term consequences if charges are dealt with immediately and discreetly. Our Interpol & Extradition Lawyers are experienced in handling Interpol Cases concerning people in the public eye and HNWIs without garnering media attention.