Whether it’s the Red Notice, the e-Extradition Initiative, or the Regional Cybercrime Threat Assessments, there are plenty of ways to prevent crimes. But, how can you ensure that you and your organization are ready to fight against crime?
e-Extradition Initiative
INTERPOL’s e-Extradition Initiative is a step in the right direction toward creating a secure electronic transfer of requests for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters between INTERPOL member countries. According to a resolution approved by the INTERPOL General Assembly, this initiative “is designed to provide member countries with an electronic means to request extradition.” Its aim is to streamline the process of transmitting requests for extradition by electronic means. It will be ready for implementation when supported by sufficient financial resources.
As for the e-Extradition Initiative’s technical specifications, INTERPOL has outlined two main steps in the process. One is to create a “global threat assessment report on cybercrime.” The report can be distributed to member countries for prioritization purposes. It also allows for the deployment of existing resources to combat cybercrime.
Regional cybercrime threat assessments
Bringing cybercriminals to justice requires years of cooperation and dozens of national and international entities. A lack of coordinated legal instruments also complicates investigations. Ultimately, a secure information exchange is essential for locating suspects.
INTERPOL has conducted a number of cybercrime threat assessments. These included the Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment, which looks at trends and the development of these threats. In addition, INTERPOL’s Global Cybercrime Programme was established in 2015. Currently, INTERPOL partners with 27 INTERPOL member countries, providing evidence to help fight online criminality.
In addition, INTERPOL’s Africa Cyber Surge Operation focused on identifying and disrupting cybercriminals in Africa. It used actionable intelligence provided by private partners. In addition, INTERPOL worked with its members on a global public awareness campaign on cybercrime.
The INTERPOL-Europol Cybercrime Conference brought experts together to discuss the most pressing issues facing cybersecurity and criminal justice. The experts agreed on a raft of measures for cooperating on cybercrime, including early warning messages, operations to take down Botnets and measures for cyber-security training.
Red notices
INTERPOL preventive action Red Notices are a useful tool for international law enforcement agencies to track and arrest fugitives abroad. But there’s more to the process than just requesting an arrest. In addition to a valid request, the law enforcement agency must establish the urgency of the situation.
Red Notices are published at the request of a member country. These notices alert police in all member countries that an internationally wanted fugitive is wanted for prosecution. The notice includes the fugitive’s name, nationality, and fingerprints. The information also includes the crime of interest and photographs.
If a person is found to have a Red Notice, they may be detained for an extended period of time. They may be denied bond and discretionary benefits. In some countries, they may also be arrested improperly.
Corrective measures
INTERPOL has issued a report confirming that Russia and other autocratic nations have been using its system to abuse its members. The findings are alarming and should spur the U.S. to take a lead in fighting politicized abuse of the organization.
Currently, there are only limited legal safeguards in INTERPOL’s internal regulations. These include sanctions and remedies. These measures are not enough to protect Interpol. It is also vital that member countries adopt a more cautious approach when enforcing Red Notices.
Ultimately, international criminal connections have enormous legal ramifications. They must balance between security, procedural justice, and the rights of individuals. INTERPOL has the responsibility to find the right balance between these two requirements.
While the report acknowledges the need for reform, it also notes that corrective measures are not mandatory. They can be lifted in INTERPOL’s rules or reinstated. In the case of Syria, the corrective measures were lifted but did not affect the country’s status as an INTERPOL member.
Communication network
INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organization, has developed a reliable and secure communication network to provide support to its member countries. Its day-to-day operations are carried out by the General Secretariat, which is headed by the Secretary-General.
In addition to the provision of security, Interpol aims to enhance national capabilities in cyber skills. Its 24/7 Contact Points for Computer-related Crime, which include 195 member countries, can bridge gaps with other networks and complement bilateral communications. The organization also seeks to develop national technical capabilities and knowledge.
In the past, Interpol has been criticized for its lack of transparency, its reliance on private sector bodies, and its multimillion-dollar deals with the pharmaceutical industry, FIFA, and Philip Morris. Its legal framework has been criticized for eroding the sovereignty of states in matters of policing.
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