Preventive request to Interpol (CCFs)
If you suspect that a Red Notice by Interpol has been issued against you, it’s important to start taking action as soon as possible. Reach out to Interpol’s team of lawyers To submit a preventive request. We will submit a request to Interpol on your behalf to check if there is an active arrest warrant or other notice against you. A justified preventive request will help avoid unwanted legal consequences and ensure a fair resolution even in the most complex situation.
What is an Interpol preventive request?
A preventative inquiry to Interpol is an official request made to the General Secretariat of Interpol aimed at preventing the issuance of a red notice or other forms of international pursuit against a specific individual. Such a request is submitted when there is a reasonable risk that a country might misuse Interpol’s mechanisms for political reasons or unjust persecution.
The main goals of Interpol’s preventive request are:
- Preventing the misuse of Interpol mechanisms;
- Protection from political persecution, as well as discrimination based on religion, race, or other characteristics;
- Preserving reputation and freedom of movement;
- Promoting adherence to the principles of fair trial and the rule of law.
Submitting a preemptive request before a red notice is issued significantly increases the chances of successfully preventing wrongful prosecution. Timely outreach allows Interpol to consider the presented arguments and evidence before making a decision. If you have any questions or need assistance in preparing a preemptive request, the specialists at our law firm are ready to provide professional support and consultation.
How do I submit a preventive request?
The first and most important step is to consult with a lawyer who specializes in international law and Interpol issues. Professional assistance ensures the request is properly filed and increases the chances of a successful outcome.
To start, you need to gather the necessary information and documents:
- Personal information: full name, date of birth, citizenship, passport details;
- Reason for request: documents and evidence confirming the risk of unjust persecution (political activity, participation in opposition movements, etc.);
- Legal documents: copies of court decisions, subpoenas, arrest warrants, or other official documents.
The lawyer will prepare a detailed legal opinion, presenting all the facts and circumstances of the case, justifying the illegality of a potential request with references to the violated articles of the Interpol Charter, and will attach all the collected evidence.
The official letter is addressed to the General Secretariat of Interpol in one of the organization’s official languages (English, French, Spanish, and Arabic). All evidence and legal conclusions are attached to the letter. It can be sent via email, fax, or through postal service with delivery confirmation.
Regularly check for updates and stay in touch with your lawyer to respond promptly to any possible changes. Ensure that all provided information is handled confidentially. Precisely following Interpol’s requirements increases the effectiveness of the request.
Who can file a preemptive request?
Sometimes, Interpol’s mechanisms can be misused to pursue individuals improperly. In such cases, a preventive request becomes an effective tool for protection. The following categories of individuals can submit such a request:
- Individuals have the right to independently submit a preventative request to Interpol. This is the most common scenario, especially when a person fears unjust persecution by a state or other entities. However, it is recommended to do this through a qualified lawyer who specializes in dealing with Interpol matters.
- Legal entities and organizations, such as NGOs, human rights groups, or law firms, can assist in filing a preemptive request on behalf of an individual. However, organizations themselves are not subjects for whom a red notice can be issued; therefore, they do not submit preemptive requests in their own interest.
- Government agencies usually do not submit preventive requests to Interpol, as the organization’s mechanisms are designed for interactions between law enforcement agencies. However, in some cases, government institutions may assist citizens in their inquiries or provide the necessary documents and verifications.
If you believe you could be the subject of unlawful international persecution, our company’s experts are ready to provide qualified assistance. We will help prepare and submit a preventive request to Interpol, ensuring the protection of your interests on an international level.
Necessary information and documentation
Proper and complete filing of a preventative request increases the chances of successfully preventing wrongful prosecution. Interpol carefully reviews all submissions, and a lack of information or documents can lead to delays or denial of the request. Therefore, it’s important to provide as much accurate and comprehensive information as possible.
Required documents and information for submitting a preventive request:
- Passport information: copies of the international passport, passport number, date of issue and expiration date, citizenship, and more;
- Identity documents: national passport, driver’s license, and birth certificate as additional documents if necessary.
- Contact information: phone number, residential address, email for prompt communication;
- Description of the situation: a detailed account of the events that led to the need to file a request, indicating the threat of unlawful persecution.
- Evidence: copies of court decisions, subpoenas, arrest warrants, written witness statements, media materials;
- Legal Justification: references to the Interpol Constitution and rules, international and national legal norms;
- Legal Opinion: A professionally drafted statement explaining the illegality of potential prosecution and the need to prevent the posting of a notice.
Thorough preparation and providing complete information are key factors for a successful submission of a preventative request to Interpol. Adhering to all requirements and properly formatting documents will help prevent the misuse of Interpol’s mechanisms against you.
The Role of the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF)
The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) is an independent body established to ensure that INTERPOL’s activities comply with fundamental human rights and the organization’s own rules. The CCF is composed of experts in law, human rights, and data protection who operate independently from INTERPOL’s General Secretariat.
The main tasks of the CCF:
- Ensuring that all information in Interpol’s databases is processed in accordance with applicable rules and standards.
- Review of individual appeals from individuals;
- Providing recommendations and advice to Interpol on data protection and human rights issues.
When an individual submits a preemptive request to Interpol to prevent the issuance of a red notice or other wanted information, the CCF (Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files) reviews the evidence and arguments presented. The body determines whether there are grounds to prevent data processing concerning that individual.
After a thorough review of the preventive request, the CCF may recommend denying the placement of the notice, request additional information, or approve the placement of the notice if there are no valid grounds for appeal.
The request must be submitted to the CCF in written form in one of Interpol’s official languages. It is necessary to provide all required evidence, arguments, and personal information. Typically, the review process takes several months, depending on the complexity of the case. The applicant will receive an official letter with the results of the review.
Possible outcomes and response times
Preventive requests are submitted in cases where there are grounds to believe that Interpol’s mechanisms have been used for the purpose of abuse or unlawful persecution.
Possible outcomes of considering a preventive request:
- Request approval: Interpol agrees with the applicant’s arguments and decides not to place information about them in its databases.
- Request denial: Interpol finds no grounds to prevent the posting of wanted information.
- Request for additional information: Interpol or the CCF requires more data to make a final decision. The response is delayed until the necessary information is received.
Estimated response times from Interpol:
- Initial confirmation of receipt: 1-2 weeks after submitting the request.
- Preliminary review: from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Final decision: from 1 to 3 months, but the timeline can vary.
The timelines are approximate and may change depending on the specific circumstances, complexity of the case, and the workload of Interpol and the CCF. The more complete and clear the information provided, the faster the review process. Reliable and convincing evidence speeds up the process.
Why is this important for your request?
Submitting a preventive request to Interpol in a timely manner can play a crucial role in protecting the rights and interests of an individual or company under threat of an international arrest warrant. Such a request allows for the preemptive prevention of negative consequences associated with the issuance of notices that could restrict freedom of movement, harm reputation, or complicate business operations.
The importance of timely submission of a preventive request:
- Interpol will not issue a notice while your request is under consideration.
- Without a preventive request, the notification may be automatically posted without further verification.
- Issuing a red notice can lead to detention at border crossings.
- Some notifications are publicly accessible, which can negatively impact reputation.
- Legal issues can deter potential partners and clients.
- Having a preventive request can be used as evidence of your good faith.
Lawyers specializing in international law and Interpol matters will help assess risks, develop an action plan, and properly draft a request.
How can our Interpol lawyers help you?
Our lawyers have a deep understanding of international law and Interpol procedures. This enables them to effectively navigate complex legal issues and offer optimal solutions for each specific situation.
Every case is unique, and our specialists develop a strategy taking into account all the specifics of your situation. This ensures maximum efficiency in achieving a positive outcome.
One clear example of our successful work is the case involving unauthorized use. Interpol Red Notice for the economic pursuit of the client. Our client faced a situation where their former business partners attempted to use Interpol mechanisms for pressure and to resolve a commercial dispute.
Our experts conducted a detailed analysis of the situation and identified a violation of Interpol rules and the misuse of notifications for improper purposes. We prepared and submitted a well-founded request to the CCF Commission and provided full support during the review process, offering additional evidence and explanations.
Result:
- Removal of the red notice from Interpol’s databases;
- Restoring the client’s freedom of movement and protecting their business reputation.
Our lawyers have years of experience working with Interpol and successfully tackle complex international legal issues. We guarantee complete confidentiality and protection of personal data. Our main goal is to achieve a positive outcome for every client.
Contact us for a confidential consultation
Contact our Interpol lawyers. For confidential consultation on filing a preemptive request, our experienced attorneys can help protect your rights, analyze the situation, and develop a defensive strategy to minimize legal risks. We guarantee complete confidentiality and a personalized approach to each client. Contact us right now to get professional assistance with your issue.
