State governments and Interpol take White-Collar Crime very seriously, and punishment for an offence like embezzlement is not seldom imprisonment. Embezzlement is a common risk in businesses and government agencies alike. For individuals and state officials who fear being targeted by Interpol for embezzlement, it is difficult to determine the legal scope of the allegations. Unless you appear on the Interpol Most Wanted List, a specific request to Interpol’s offices is required to determine whether an Interpol Notice exists and, if so, on what grounds.

Individuals or entities suspecting to be targeted by Interpol for embezzlement are advised to take legal action immediately to avoid the consequences of a Red Notice, such as being arrested at the airport, removal from office or termination from employment. Our team of expert Interpol and Extradition Lawyers has assisted numerous clients in defending themselves against financial crime allegations and successfully and expeditiously getting an Interpol Red Notice against them deleted. If you suspect you are the target of an Interpol Red Notice, do not hesitate to contact us through our secure and encrypted contact form.

Embezzlement is not a clearly defined offence. In general, it describes the act of deceitfully secreting funds entrusted to an individual. Embezzlement differs from theft in that embezzlers do not take another person’s property against the will of the person entitled to it but often have lawful access to it. Typical forms of embezzlement include:

• The creation of false invoices or receipts,
• Falsification of records,
• Secretion of relatively small amounts repeatedly over a long period,
• Creation phantom employees, who are then paid regularly,
• Skimming of cash,
• Electronic manipulation of funds,
• Altering refund authorizations and company checks,
• Usage of funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors while embezzling some of the funds for personal use (so-called Ponzi-Schemes)

Embezzlement is an offence that is frequently reported in connection with state officials. The misuse of public funds for self-serving interests is regularly described in this context. For state officials who are unjustly targeted for embezzlement by Interpol, such allegations can profoundly impact their professional and personal lives. It is important to note that embezzlement allegations can arise from various factors, including misunderstandings and fabricated evidence. Navigating international legal proceedings demands skilled and experienced legal counsel. At Schlun & Elseven, we stand ready to offer comprehensive legal support to protect our clients‘ rights and reputations.