Extradition Defence Against Fraud Allegations.
Fraud is one of the most common criminal offences and is increasingly international in nature. Especially internet fraud, in all its varieties, regularly crosses national borders. The frequency and high economic damage caused by fraud offences also leads law enforcement authorities to pursue these offences transnationally and aggressively. Interpol Red Notices and Diffusions are regularly issued for fraud offences, leading to the arrest and extradition of the wanted person. However, it is not uncommon for such Red Notices or diffusions to be based on incomplete information or to be politically, racially or religiously motivated.
Individuals affected by an Interpol Red Notice or ones who fear that they may be affected by one in the future should seek legal advice immediately. The consequences of a Red Notice are massive and should be prevented or contained as quickly as possible. Our extradition and Interpol law lawyers have extensive experience in removing Interpol notices, defending against extradition requests, and preventing Red Notices and diffusions.
About Fraud: Methods and Schemes
There are several different forms and methods of fraud. In general, fraud can be defined as an activity that relies on deception to achieve a gain. The perpetrators may aim for monetary gain or other benefits, such as obtaining travel or identity documents. The most prevalent form of fraud is international internet fraud – be it through email, social media or dating apps. Common fraudulent schemes include:
- Investment scams: these can be so-called Pyramid or Ponzi Schemes as well as high-yield investment programs
- Business-Email-Compromise (BEC): this can include spoofed email accounts or websites, spearphishing emails or the use of malware
- Romance Scams: the scammer usually establishes a close relationship online to manipulate or extort the victim into transferring large sums of money.
In Germany, the penalty for severe cases of fraud can be up to ten years in prison. In the United States, prison sentences can even amount to up to thirty years. Along with the threat of a conviction, being accused of fraud and targeted by Interpol can have significant personal and professional consequences, such as travel restrictions, freezing bank accounts, or losing employment.
Interpol’s Role in Prosecuting Fraud Cases
Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, is a worldwide organisation that promotes international cooperation in combating crime. Interpol’s best-known tool is the Red Notice. A Red Notice is requested by one of the 196 members of Interpol to locate a suspect abroad. The Red Notices published by Interpol are displayed in a database to all member states so that national authorities can arrest and subsequently extradite the suspects. Some of Interpol’s Red Notices are also displayed online and are publicly accessible on Interpol’s website (the so-called „Most Wanted List“). In addition to the Red Notice, there is also the Interpol Diffusion, which has fewer requirements than the Red Notice and is not publicised. It can nevertheless lead to arrest and extradition and should, therefore, be taken equally seriously. Other Interpol Notices can, for instance, be issued to alert member states to new criminal organisations or to locate witnesses.
One of Interpol’s central endeavours is to improve the international prosecution of financial crime. To this end, Interpol has established the INTERPOL Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC). The Centre provides investigative, operational, and analytical support and capacity building to member states and leads international operations to combat financial crime. In 2023, a six-month operation against online fraud was carried out in cooperation with 34 countries, resulting in the arrest of 3,500 suspected online fraudsters and the seizure of 300 million US dollars.
Expert Legal Aid for Allegations of Fraud: Schlun & Elseven
At Schlun & Elseven, we combine legal expertise, long-standing experience and strategic thinking to ensure the best outcomes for our clients. We prepare detailed submissions to Interpol to challenge the Notice or Diffusion against you. We simultaneously argue against your extradition and start negotiations with the authorities of the requesting state. Our law firm also advises clients in the public eye on managing public relations and media coverage. By understanding the workings of Interpol and extradition requests, we use a proactive approach and are dedicated to standing by our clients every step of the way.
Contact us now.
„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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