In the modern world, crime is increasingly taking on a transnational character. Therefore, an effective fight against such threats is impossible without international cooperation among law enforcement agencies. For these purposes, the International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol, uses arrest warrants.
However, unfortunately, Interpol notices can quite often be issued erroneously or in violation of human rights. Such instances can have serious consequences for the individuals named in the notice, including restrictions on their freedom of movement, reputational damage, and financial losses. It’s crucial to address these issues as swiftly as possible. Interpol lawyers, who will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the case, will determine the grounds for contestation international arrest warrant, will help to correctly prepare and submit documents to the CCF Commission.
What is an INTERPOL Arrest Warrant?
An Interpol arrest warrant, also known as a Red Notice, is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It contains information about the identity of the wanted person and the legal basis for their arrest.
Interpol is the International Criminal Police Organization, a global entity that facilitates interaction and cooperation among law enforcement agencies from 194 countries around the world.
An international arrest warrant is an official request from one country to another for the arrest and extradition of a suspect or accused individual in committing a crime, or a convicted person who is evading punishment. Such warrants enable countries to cooperate on extradition matters, ensuring that criminals can be held accountable regardless of their location. All arrest warrants are entered into a unified system – Interpol Wanted List.
Interpol does not directly issue arrest warrants. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant, but serves as a request for the temporary arrest of an individual pending the submission of an official extradition request.
Arrest warrants are based on bilateral or multilateral extradition treaties, as well as on national legislation. The procedure typically includes the following stages:
- Issuance of a national arrest warrant by a court or another competent authority in the country where the crime was committed.
- Initiating an international request through Interpol’s diplomatic channels.
- The imposition of an arrest within the territory of a foreign state based on a received request or notification.
- The extradition procedure, during which the decision is made regarding the transfer of an individual to the requesting country.
Types of INTERPOL Warrant Notices
One of Interpol’s primary tools is the issuance of notices for the exchange of information about criminals and threats between member countries of the Organisation. These notices are classified by colour codes, each of which has its own specific meaning:
- Red Notice: This is the most well-known and serious type of alert. It is issued for individuals wanted for serious crimes. The aim is to locate and arrest the person with the intention of their subsequent extradition or similar legal actions.
- Blue notice: Used to identify or locate suspects, witnesses, or other individuals of interest to an investigation. The objective is to gather additional information about a person’s identity, whereabouts, and activities in connection with a crime.
- Green notice: disseminates information about individuals who may commit further crimes in other countries.
- Yellow notice: Used to search for missing persons who may not be victims of crime, but whose whereabouts are unknown. This is particularly important in cases involving vulnerable groups, such as children or individuals with mental health issues. Objective: To locate missing persons.
- Black notice: Distributed to assist in identifying deceased individuals whose bodies have been found but whose identities have not been established.
- Orange notice: informs member countries about events, individuals, objects, or processes that pose a risk, such as terrorist acts, explosive devices, or other hazards.
- Purple notice: Used to describe the methods, equipment, and techniques used by criminals (new fraud schemes, smuggling methods, or other criminal techniques).
There are also special INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notices, which are issued jointly with the United Nations. These notices inform countries about individuals and groups linked to terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, who are subject to sanctions.
Moreover, Interpol is preparing to launch the Silver Notice to track and recover criminal assets, including virtual currencies. With the emergence of virtual assets as a means of concealing criminal proceeds, Interpol conceived the idea of the Silver Notice in 2015. It is intended to enhance mechanisms for international cooperation in the search and recovery of assets.
How an INTERPOL Red Notice Works
Although red notice It is often perceived as an international arrest warrant, but it is not. Rather, it is a mechanism for notification and cooperation between law enforcement agencies of different countries.
The process of issuing a Red Notice begins in the country where the crime was committed or where the individual was convicted. The competent judicial authority of the country issues a warrant for the arrest of the individual for a specific crime. The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol prepares a request for the issuance of a Red Notice, accompanied by all necessary legal and evidential support.
The General Secretariat of Interpol in Lyon is conducting a review of the request for compliance with the Organisation’s Charter and international norms. Upon approval, the notice is distributed among all Interpol member countries through a secure communication network.
The red notification contains the following information:
- Identification details: full name, date and place of birth, nationality, photographs, fingerprints, and other biometric data.
- Legal information: description of the committed crime, applicable legal provisions, information on court decisions or arrest warrants;
- Instructions for law enforcement agencies: guidelines on actions to be taken in the event of identifying an individual, including requests for temporary detention and notification of the National Central Bureau of the requesting country.
A person for whom a red notice has been issued can be arrested when crossing the border or if found within the territory of a member country. Countries may deny entry to such an individual or deport them. Measures may also be taken to freeze the bank accounts and assets of the person.
How to Remove INTERPOL Red Warrant?
Among the most common grounds for challenging Interpol red notices, the following should be highlighted:
- The political nature of the persecution;
- Violation of human rights;
- Insufficiency of legal grounds;
- Absence of an active national arrest warrant;
- Non-compliance with Interpol’s procedural requirements.
The procedure involves several stages. Our lawyers conduct a thorough analysis of your case to determine the grounds for removing the notice: examining legal documents and evidence, assessing the notice’s compliance with Interpol’s rules, and identifying potential human rights violations or political motivations.
To have a Red Notice removed, one must prepare a submission to the CCF Commission. The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files is an independent body responsible for overseeing the processing of personal data within the INTERPOL system. Lawyers prepare a document that justifies the need to remove the notice. It is essential to provide all necessary documents to support the defence arguments and ensure that the request meets formal requirements.
After submitting an appeal, our lawyers regularly contact the CCF to receive updates, provide additional information or documents as requested by the commission.
The CCF conducts an independent assessment and makes a decision. In the event of a refusal, our lawyers can consider other legal steps, including appealing to national courts or international bodies.
The process can take anywhere from several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the commission. Once your notice has been removed from Interpol’s database, you can freely travel between member countries of the organisation without the risk of being arrested based on that notice.
Theoretically, you can approach the CCF on your own. However, without professional legal support, the chances of success are significantly lower due to the complexity of the procedures and the need for proper justification.
Contact Interpol Law Firm today to find out how we can help you remove an Interpol red notice, restore your freedom of movement, and bring peace of mind back into your life.
Interpol Arrest Warrant Search
On the Interpol website, there is a public database where you can find some of the red notices and other warrants. Please follow the instructions below:
- Visit the official Interpol website – Interpol.int;
- Select the section “Fugitives” or “Wanted Persons”;
- Use filters to search by name, surname, or other searchable data.
However, the public database contains only a small portion of all the red notices. The majority of notices remain confidential and are accessible only to law enforcement agencies of Interpol member countries.
If you haven’t found your name in the public database but wish to check if there’s a red notice issued against you, you can contact the CCF Commission. Draft an official request that includes the applicant’s personal details, a description of the situation, and reasons why the individual suspects a notice might exist, along with copies of identification documents. The request can be sent electronically to the email address provided on Interpol’s official website ([email protected]) or by post (200, Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France). The CCF will check for your details in Interpol’s system and can provide information on whether a red notice exists and the grounds on which it was issued.
The process of handling requests may take several months. Interpol may also refuse to provide detailed information if the notice is related to ongoing investigative actions or affects confidentiality.
Interpol solicitors will assist in correctly drafting and submitting a request to the CCF, as well as representing your interests in dealings with international bodies. If an arrest based on a red notice leads to extradition, a qualified lawyer will defend your rights in national courts.
Difference Between an INTERPOL Red Notice and a Regular Arrest Warrant
A Red Notice does not compel member countries to arrest the person in question. It is merely an informational tool that serves to alert law enforcement agencies about individuals who are wanted for suspicion or have committed crimes.
An arrest warrant requires the law enforcement agencies of the executing country to arrest and detain the individual. It is based on a court order and has legal force.
A Red Notice is issued at the request of the national central bureau of Interpol in the country where a criminal case has been initiated. It is distributed among all member countries through Interpol’s internal communication system.
An arrest warrant is issued by the judicial authority of the country initiating the search and is sent directly to specific countries in accordance with extradition agreements.
A red notice is only grounds for the temporary detention of an individual. Meanwhile, an arrest warrant directly mandates detention. Law enforcement agencies are obliged to execute the warrant in accordance with national and international law.
Looking for Red Notice Legal Advice?
Do you suspect that an Interpol Red Notice has been issued in your name? The first and most crucial step is to seek qualified legal assistance. The solicitors at Interpol Law Firm have extensive experience with international law and Interpol procedures, and are ready to assist you in complex situations including check for arrest warrant or red notice.
Our solicitors will begin with a thorough analysis of your case to understand the grounds for appeal and identify possible strategies. We will prepare all necessary documents and present evidence in your favour.
Get in touch with us for a consultation, and we will help you understand your situation, submit the necessary requests, and ensure effective support and legal protection against a red notice.
