However, the mentioned database is not comprehensive and contains only about 30% of all the data which is actually being processed by Interpol. Therefore, if you have reason to believe that you could be on Interpol’s wanted list, you better hire a qualified extradition lawyer who can apply to INTERPOL on your behalf to access the INTERPOL’s files.
Interpol’s Wanted List: An Overview
Interpol, the international criminal police organization, employs a system known as the ‘Wanted List’ to track and locate individuals implicated in criminal activities worldwide. This list, containing individuals facing Interpol’s Red Notices, aids in international cooperation, promoting a safer global community. This section will provide a brief overview of Interpol’s Wanted List, how it operates, and its importance in international law enforcement.
Mechanism of Interpol’s Wanted List
Interpol’s primary tool to locate and arrest wanted persons is through issuing ‘Notices’ and ‘Diffusions’. The various types of notices – Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Black, Purple, and Orange – each serve a distinct purpose ranging from seeking arrest, acquiring additional information, or warning about potential threats. Additionally, ‘Diffusions’ or circular alerts provide a more immediate, albeit restricted, method of seeking international cooperation for the detention or extradition of an individual. This section will delve deeper into the workings of these instruments.
Accessing Interpol’s Wanted List
Not knowing your status on Interpol’s Wanted List can lead to severe implications such as unexpected arrests or issues while crossing borders. Interpol’s website has a ‘wanted persons’ section where one can check their status. However, this only contains about 30% of all the data processed by Interpol, so employing a qualified extradition lawyer is advisable if there is reason to suspect one could be on Interpol’s Wanted List.
Consequences of Being on Interpol’s Wanted List
Being on Interpol’s Wanted List means facing potential arrest and extradition to face charges in the country requesting the notice. The severity of the implications varies according to the notice issued. This section will provide a detailed analysis of the various consequences that one might face if listed on Interpol’s Wanted List.
Removing Information from Interpol’s Wanted List
Under specific grounds, it is possible to request the removal of information from Interpol’s Wanted List. This process, although potentially complex, is crucial for individuals who believe they have been wrongfully placed on the list. In this section, we’ll provide an understanding of how to request the removal of one’s information from the list.
What instruments does INTERPOL use to locate and arrest wanted persons? What is the “wanted list” of the Interpol?
Interpol uses two basic instruments to locate and arrest wanted persons. These legal tools are:
1. Notices
INTERPOL Notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information.
There are different types of notices, namely:
- Red notice – has the purpose to seek the location and arrest of a person wanted by the law enforcement authorities in the requesting country with the aim of her extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person. An Interpol red notice removal can be requested by Interpol lawyers.
- Blue notice – has the purpose to locate, identify and acquire any additional information about a person of interest to a criminal investigation.
- Green notice – has the purpose to warn about a person’s criminal activities, particularly if the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety.
- Yellow notice – has the purpose to locate missing persons.
- Black notice – has the purpose to seek information on unidentified bodies.
- Purple notice – has the purpose to provide information regarding criminal activities such as hideouts, crime concealment methods, use of special criminal tools and devices, and modus operandi of crimes committed.
- Orange notice – has the purpose to warn of an event, a person, an object, or a process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
The cooperation requests are published in the forms listed above via the Interpol Information System which is accessible by all INTERPOL member states.
2. Diffusions
They are also called circular alerts or Interpol Diffusions that request international cooperation, particularly detention, arrest, and extradition of the person concerned. Circular alerts are more dangerous. Though registered in the INTERPOL’s information system, they are only available (visible) to a limited number of Interpol member countries. Diffusions are circulated directly by a member country’s National Central Bureau to all or some other member countries.
Useful articlces on issues with Interpol:
- How do I Remove my Name from INTERPOL?
- Can INTERPOL Make Arrests Anywhere?
- What Crimes Go To INTERPOL?
- Does INTERPOL Enforce International Law?
