An Interpol diffusion is an informal alert used by member states to inform law enforcement about individuals wanted for crimes. Similar to a red notice but less formal, diffusions are not published on the Interpol website and are circulated through Interpol channels by the country seeking assistance for arrest and extradition.
Interpol Red Notices and diffusions have many similar effects. For example, when faced with an outstanding diffusion or a red notice, there is a potential risk of being arrested from your home or when traveling. The arrest can be made by authorized international entities, including police forces or border agents.
Another consequence wanted people may face is the closure of bank accounts and affecting their personal reputation and employment status.
So what is a diffusion notice and what are they like? There are several types, and diffusion notice meaning depends on their color. There are eight types of Interpol notices, including seven color-coded notices.
Interpol red notices are circulated to help locate, arrest, and extradite a fugitive wanted for crimes to serve a sentence or face charges.
An Interpol Blue notice is used to collect additional information about a person subject to an international arrest warrant. The information may include their identity, location, and details of crimes committed
Helps obtain information on unidentified bodies.
A public safety yellow notice is used to find a missing person unable to identify themselves.
Helps warn the public and international entities about a possible threat to the public, including events, persons, objects, or processes.
Helps provide and seek information on criminals’ modi operandi, concealment methods, devices, and procedures.
The criminal investigation green notice helps communicate information to the public about a person’s criminal activities, which have a risk of being repeated in other countries.
Helps inform Interpol’s members about a group or person subject to UN Security Council sanctions.
Every member country has its own NCB (National Central Bureau) responsible for sending notice requests to Interpol’s General Secretariat. Before the General Secretariat publishes any Interpol notice or Interpol diffusion request, the request must be reviewed by the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) to ensure it conforms to Interpol rules and regulations. The CCF is an independent body responsible for reviewing data processed through Interpol’s Information System, including diffusions and notices.
Typically, diffusions are circulated directly by the NCB to member countries or international entities of their choice. Just like Interpol red diffusion, diffusions are sent via Interpol’s secure information system and recorded in Interpol databases. The requests usually contain the following details;
Apart from member countries, International entities like the UN, the International Criminal Court, and International Criminal Tribunals can use Interpol international alerts to locate fugitives wanted for committing crimes within their jurisdictions. These may be war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
It’s usually difficult to know if your information is on Interpol’s alert list. But it’s important to know what is diffusion notice and what it means. However, you may find out using the following steps:
The CCF rejects any notice request that violates Interpol’s Constitution. Diffusions and red notices must meet admissibility requirements according to CCF regulations. This allows you to request a correction or deletion of diffusions and Interpol red notices issued against you if you believe they are illegal.
To remove a diffusion or red notice from Interpol, follow these steps:
To challenge Interpol’s red notices and diffusions legally, consider these criteria:
The following offenses don’t require a diffusion notice or a red notice according to Article 83(1) of the Constitution because they are not serious ordinary crimes;
To have your request considered by the CCF, it must meet certain specific criteria (these can be found at: Interpol’s How to submit a request quide)
When faced with an international alert, it’s crucial to seek professional help from an experienced attorney. He will help you understand what is an Interpol diffusion notice, and how to behave if you receive one. The consequences of a provisional arrest and extradition can be devastating, especially to your job and personal reputation. Besides, Interpol rules are usually complex because you will be dealing with laws from different member states.
Useful articlces on issues with Interpol: