Don’t fall for the stereotypes that Interpol agents carry weapons, break down suspects’ doors, and arrest criminals. Moreover, they can’t even issue arrest warrants. This organization was established to enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies across all 195 member countries. Therefore, Interpol does not have the authority to arrest or detain anyone.
What is Interpol?
Interpol is the International Criminal Police Organization that brings together 195 countries to assist in combating transnational crime. The organization helps law enforcement agencies around the world coordinate efforts and exchange information during joint operations.
The primary functions of Interpol:
- Exchange of information about suspects, criminals, and international threats;
- The organization and execution of joint international operations aimed at combating serious crimes;
- Support for extensive databases containing information on wanted individuals, stolen documents, vehicles, and other crimes.
Interpol issues several types of notices, each with its own color and purpose:
- Red Notice: Request for temporary arrest for the purpose of subsequent extradition;
- Blue notice: request to locate or identify persons of interest in an investigation.
- Green notice: a warning or provision of information about individuals previously convicted of serious crimes and posing a threat to public safety.
- Yellow notice: used for locating missing persons, including children.
- Black notice: used for identifying unidentified bodies;
- Orange alert: a warning about events, objects, or processes that could pose a threat to public safety.
- Purple Notice: Request for information on methods of committing crimes, tools used, and techniques.
A special notice is issued in conjunction with the UN to inform about individuals and organizations that have been sanctioned by the UN Security Council.
Which countries are members of Interpol?
Interpol brings together 195 member countries from around the world, making it one of the largest and most influential international law enforcement organizations. Interpol’s membership includes countries from all continents, including leading world powers such as the USA, the UK, France, China, Germany, as well as numerous developing and smaller nations.
Member states of Interpol gain access to a unique platform for collaboration and information exchange on international criminal cases. Each country decides for itself how actively it will cooperate within the organization and is responsible for its actions related to the use of Interpol’s resources.
The structure of Interpol includes several main bodies:
- General Assembly: the highest decision-making body, meets annually and consists of representatives from all member countries. It sets the overall policy and approves the budget.
- Executive Committee: a supervisory body that oversees the implementation of decisions made by the General Assembly.
- General Secretariat: the main executive body located in Lyon (France), responsible for the daily operations of Interpol;
- National Central Bureaus (NCBs) operate in each member country, facilitating communication between Interpol and national law enforcement agencies.
- The File Control Commission (FCC): an independent body that ensures the protection of personal data and reviews complaints about human rights violations.
As members of Interpol, countries are required to adhere to the organization’s constitution and rules, including the principle of political neutrality, which prohibits Interpol from intervening in matters related to politics, religion, or racial issues.
What crimes does Interpol deal with?
Interpol is involved in investigating and coordinating efforts to combat various types of international crimes.
- Drug trafficking, production, and distribution of narcotics;
- Participation in terrorist acts;
- Financing of terrorism;
- Premeditated murder;
- Corruption;
- Major financial fraud;
- Money laundering;
- Human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual exploitation;
- Organized crime;
- Crimes against humanity;
- Illegal trade in rare animals, deforestation, and other environmental crimes;
- Cybercrimes.
Thanks to the work of Interpol, countries can centrally confront the challenges posed by international criminal networks.
Can Interpol arrest specific individuals?
Yes, Interpol notices can be targeted at specific individuals through a system of special alerts. The organization can issue a Red Notice requesting assistance in locating individuals wanted for committing crimes for their further extradition or other similar legal actions. However, directly making arrests is not within Interpol’s powers. This responsibility falls on national law enforcement agencies. Interpol merely acts as a mediator, an information distributor, and a coordinator of efforts among its member countries.
Despite lacking the authority to detain individuals, Interpol’s actions can lead to arrests by national agencies. The groups most susceptible to this include:
- Political activists and opponents who may become targets of authoritarian authorities;
- Journalists and human rights advocates who often face the threat of arrest for their activities;
- Businesspeople and entrepreneurs, competitors, and corrupt officials sometimes resort to using Interpol to eliminate or restrict the activities of business rivals.
That’s exactly why it’s crucial for individuals at risk of unjust persecution to take legal action promptly and consult with qualified professionals to protect their rights.
In which countries can Interpol make arrests?
Despite holding influential positions and playing a significant role in coordinating international law enforcement efforts, Interpol does not have the authority to make arrests. Its primary purpose is to facilitate information exchange and assist member countries in conducting investigations and detaining suspects. Interpol Red Notice does not have status international arrest warrant This is just a request for the identification and temporary detention of a person for their subsequent extradition.
National law enforcement agencies of member countries decide what actions to take in response to a red notice. Countries may detain the individual named in the notice, but only their national police services can carry out an arrest. Interpol cannot compel states to act on its notices and does not oversee the arrest process.
Some countries are more willing to follow Interpol’s red notices and consider them sufficient grounds for temporary detention. These countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, and many others. However, in other states that often receive requests for political asylum, an Interpol notice is unlikely to lead to arrest without additional evidence. Examples of such countries include France and Germany, where the extradition of their own citizens is prohibited by law.
If you’ve been detained or there’s a threat of arrest based on an Interpol red notice, it’s recommended that you seek legal support from an attorney experienced in international law matters as soon as possible. You can challenge the notice through Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files. Avoid traveling to countries that actively cooperate with Interpol and adhere to red notices.
We understand how crucial it is to respond quickly to threats associated with red alerts, and we’re ready to provide professional legal support. Contact us to discuss potential solutions and strategies for protecting your rights and interests.
