Lawyer
Dmytro Konovalenko
Service:
Protection from international search and extradition based on an Interpol Red Notice
A citizen of Russia, who left the country’s territory in 2010 and has been residing in Ukraine since then, became the subject of a red notice issued by Interpol at the request of Russian law enforcement authorities. The Russian authorities accused him of participating in an organized criminal group and illegal drug trafficking. Based on these accusations, a notice was issued with the aim of his arrest and subsequent extradition. The client faced the threat of detention abroad and return to a country where he could be at risk.
Features of the case:
The position of the Russian side and demands:
According to the case materials initiated in 2012, the client was accused of three episodes related to the sale of synthetic drugs in the city of Tyumen in 2011. Based on this, an arrest warrant was issued, and an international search was announced. A Red Notice in the Interpol database was placed in 2016, despite the fact that an extradition request had been sent to the Ukrainian side back in 2014, and the client’s whereabouts were known.
Solution to the problem, key points, protection process:
The client’s lawyers submitted an appeal to the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files, demanding the removal of data from the database. The main arguments of the defense were:
- The presence of official protective status in Ukraine. In 2019, the client was granted additional protection recognized by a state decision. The reason was the presence of real threats from Russian law enforcement and the risk of ill-treatment in case of return.
- The actual absence of the client in Russia during the alleged crime period. Since 2010, he has been in Ukraine, and no evidence of his presence on the territory of the Russian Federation during the specified period has been presented.
- The insufficiency and vagueness of the accusations. The Interpol notice lacked a clear description of the client’s role in the incriminated actions. No evidence was presented of his personal involvement, benefit, or intent to commit the crime.
- The political background of the persecution. The client reported pressure from the police in the Russian Federation, related to his refusal to participate in criminal activities. After filing complaints, he received threats and was forced to leave the country.
- Public support for Ukraine. During the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the client actively provided assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as evidenced by letters of gratitude and awards from military units.
Commission Decision: data deletion and denial of extradition
The Interpol Commission recognized that the data about the client does not comply with the goals and principles of international police cooperation. The Red Notice was deemed inconsistent with Articles 10 and 12 of Interpol’s Rules on the Processing of Data, and the case itself was considered unfair from the perspective of international law. As a result, the information was completely removed from Interpol’s database, and the risk of the client’s extradition to Russia was eliminated.
If you or your loved ones are facing the threat of extradition to Russia, especially on fabricated or politically motivated charges — do not delay. Contact experienced lawyers specializing in cases of international search and refugee rights protection. A well-prepared appeal to the Interpol Commission can change your fate and protect you from unlawful persecution.
