Interpol Red Notice Removal Lawyer

Interpol enters your personal data into its database following a request from a member country seeking prosecution, facilitating international police cooperation in locating and provisionally arresting the person. From this moment, the person can easily be arrested and even extradited to an “unfriendly” country.

But do you have to be a criminal to get a red card?

Not at all. States often misuse Interpol notices and initiate international searches for innocent citizens. This is evidenced by the practice of experienced lawyers who constantly work on removal of an Interpol red notice.

Interpol

Interpol is an international criminal police organization. It was established in 1923 to assist in the fight against transnational crime and terrorism by enabling police forces around the world to work together more effectively. Interpol provides a range of services to its member countries, including databases of fingerprints and stolen passports, notices about wanted persons, and assistance with criminal investigations that cross international boundaries. It’s headquartered in Lyon, France, and has 195 member countries, making it one of the largest international organizations in terms of international collaboration on law enforcement.

Currently, Interpol comprises 196 states. Each of them has a National Central Bureau that interacts with Interpol.

Types of Interpol Notices

Since 1946, the Interpol database has featured a system of alerts that facilitate international police cooperation on various issues. These are also referred to as Interpol notices, circulars, or flags. When information is received by Interpol, it is assigned an alert of a specific color. Each color has a distinct meaning. In total, there are 8 types of notices:

• Interpol Red Notice – signals the fact of an international search for a person.
• Yellow notices – record individuals who are missing or cannot provide their details.
• Black notice is issued for unidentified bodies;
• Orange notices – warn about a person, object, or event that poses a public threat.
• Green notice indicates illegal activity by an individual that could harm the public.
• Blue notices are issued to collect information about a person or their whereabouts in connection with a criminal investigation.
• Purple notice indicates weapons used in a crime, methods of its commission, criminal schemes, etc.

There is also a distinct type of notification – these are special announcements from the UN and Interpol. They are issued concerning individuals and organizations that are under the sanctions of the UN Security Council.

Publication of notices

The publication of notices by Interpol is initiated by member states. Within the law enforcement system of each country, there is a National Central Bureau (hereinafter referred to as the Bureau) that interacts with Interpol. Overall, the publication of notices is as follows:

• National Law enforcement authorities submit a request to the Bureau, which checks it for compliance with local legislation and international standards.
• The bureau submits a request for consideration to the General Secretariat of Interpol.
• If the request complies with Interpol’s rules, it is published in the database.

Following this, national law enforcement agencies of the member countries receive notifications about the publication of the relevant card. Depending on its color, they can take appropriate actions: gather information, detain individuals, and so on.

What Is an Interpol Red Notice?

An Interpol Red Notice is an international alert used to notify its member countries about individuals sought for prosecution or to serve a sentence based on an offence they have been convicted of or are accused of committing. 

This Interpol notice isn’t an international arrest warrant, but rather a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition and surrender for further legal proceedings.

What information about a person is contained in the Interpol red notice:

• Physical data that identifies a person, including name and surname, photograph, description of appearance, document numbers, and more.
• Legal information. For example, the crime a person is accused of, or references to court decisions, arrest warrants, etc.

The issuance of a red notice is initiated by a specific country. The National Central Bureau for Interpol issues a request to the Organisation’s General Secretariat. This request must contain detailed information about the individual and the legal grounds for their international search.

Following the review of this request, the General Secretariat either approves or rejects it. If approved, the individual’s details are added to the Interpol Red List. From that moment, the person is subject to international search and can be arrested at any time.

Experience of Interpol red notices lawyers shows that the issuance of this circular is a signal of a potential infringement of your rights. Why? It all comes down to the consequences of such a notification.

Interpol Diffusion

Interpol diffusion is a request for the search and arrest of an individual, which a country sends directly to other nations. This tool is similar to a red notice. The difference is that diffusion does not go through Interpol’s General Secretariat but is sent directly to other countries.

The organisation does not consider these requests nor does it verify their correctness or legality. Moreover, the diffusions are not published in the public domain. Therefore, they are no less dangerous than a red card. Just as with an Interpol red notice, you will need legal advice from an experienced international lawyer.

The Consequences of Red Notices Red Notices

Being targeted by a red notice can have serious consequences that can significantly affect different aspects of your social and economic life. For instance, you can be arrested or provisionally detained at any moment pending extradition to the requesting country.

Besides the risk of being detained by law enforcement officers during cross-border travels, an Interpol red notice can hinder you from registering a bank account and your financial assets might be frozen. However, red notices are frequently politically motivated with the intent to punish human rights activists and political decedents.

That’s why its important to seek professional legal assistance from qualified interpol lawyers whenever you suspect you might be on the red noticee list. Our Interpol Solicitors are excellent at building Interpol red notice removal cases and elaborating tailored legal strategies to ensure your fundamental human rights arent infringed.

How to Know If a Person is Wanted by Interpol

Interpol Red Notice process begins with determining whether the individual is indeed on an international wanted list and for what reason. Some red notices are openly published on the Interpol website, but most are hidden for security reasons. Fortunately, there are two ways to check if there is a red notice against you:

Submit a Request to the CCF

Sending a formal request to the Commision for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) is the best way to to know whether you are on the red notice list. The CCF has access to the Interpol information system and other international search databases.

The CCF will consider your application for four months. During the review, the commision consults with other structures within the organisation and even with the source of the data – the requesting country. If it turns out that providing information would undermine the objectives of international search efforts, your request will be denied.

Therefore, it is extremely important to entrust the submission of a request to experienced Interpol lawyers specializing in red notice removal.

Check the “Wanted Persons” List

For Interpol Red Notice search simply visit the “Wanted Persons” section on the organisation’s website, enter your details, and receive the results. However, most red notices are not published for public access. Diffusions also only occur within internal databases.

So, inquiring from the CCF remains the only effective way to check if you are in Interpol wanted list. An experienced Interpol lawyer specializing in Interpol red notice removal can help you obtain valuable information and timely construct an effective legal defense strategy.

Grounds to Challenge an Interpol Red Notice

The most effective red notice removal strategy is proving that its issuance didn’t comply with the Interpol legal framework. To find arguments for the annulment of the circular, one should look at two key documents: the Rules on the Processing of Data and Interpol’s Constitution.

The grounds on which an Interpol Red Notice defense can be based on include:

• The notification doesn’t align with the purpose of the organization and grossly violates human rights. The Constitution in Article 2 establishes that Interpol aims to ensure cooperation among law enforcement agencies among member countries, while complying with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• The issuance of the circular is associated with hidden motives and illegal persecution. The Constitution in Article 3 prohibits the involvement of Interpol in any political, religious, racial, or military persecutions.
• The card violates The Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD). This is the primary document that governs the operations of the CCF. It includes detailed rules regarding notifications and broadcasts.
• Notification issued in violation of the special policy that applies to individuals who have been recognized as refugees under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

There are instances when it’s unequivocally forbidden to publish a red notice. For example, the crime associated with the notice might have a “controversial nature”. That is, in some countries, it is not considered a crime, such as marital infidelity. Another case is when the act is related to an administrative offense or a private dispute.

A qualified Interpol red notice solicitor meticulously analyses the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the notice and identifies the best approach to contest it. Our 20+ years of experience in international law enable us to construct compelling arguments that Interpol will consider.

Do Interpol Red Notices Expire?

Acording to Interpol’s regulations, the standard duration of red notices is 5 years from the moment of publication. If the individual is found earlier or if the issuance of the card is successfully contested, the alert will end sooner.

However, the 5-year term can be extended. For this to happen, the state that initiated the red notice must submit a corresponding request to Interpol. Therefore, if 5 years have passed since the issuance of the red notice, it’s not certain that the action of the notification has ended.

Does an Interpol Red Notice Warrant Mean Automatic Extradition?

An Interpol red notice does not guarantee extradition. More likely, the state that initiated the search will submit a request for the extradition of the detained individual. However, the decision on extradition will be made by the court of the country where the person was detained.

Extradition can be avoided. To do this, one must prove that following extradition, the individual faces inhumane treatment, rights violations, denial of a fair trial, etc. A professional lawyer can significantly reduce the risk of extradition.

Which of our Lawyers Work with Interpol Red Notices?

Dmytro Konovalenko

Dmytro Konovalenko is an Interpol red notice lawyer with years of experience in dealing with the Interpol File Control Commission. Dmytro has successfully appealed for a red notice removal from countries in Europe, Asia, and the Far East. Besides giving Interpol’s red notice advice, he also offers legal assistance with extradition law and criminal case proceedings.

Anatoliy Yarovyi

A senior partner, Anatoliy Yarovyi has a proven track record in solving Interpol matters. Yarovyi has assisted dozens of clients with Interpol red notice legal advice and appeals from countries in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Africa.

The Process of Removing an Interpol Red Notice

There are three ways to contest a red notice. For each of them, it’s advisable to secure the support of an Interpol red notice lawyer, who will help you navigate all the stages of the appeal without any effort on your part.

1. Contact the law enforcement agencies of the country that initiated the international search. You need to submit a well-founded request to have your data removed from the Interpol database.
2. Reach out with a similar request to the law enforcement authorities of the country in which you reside. It’s important to understand the legal instruments provided by the national legislation of the specific country.
3. Contact CCF with a request to remove information about you.

The last method is the most effective and reliable. It involves submitting a written appeal to the CCF in the prescribed format. It must be submitted in one of the working languages of the Organization and must contain serious arguments for the removal of the notification. The Commission has 4 months to consider your request.

During the review, the Commission may require additional information from you. A lawyer will help to correctly prepare and submit these materials to the CCF.

Our specialists at Interpol Law Firm have experience dealing with the legislation and judicial systems of various countries. Therefore, we can help clear all charges and prevent international searches in the most effective way possible.

Information Required for the Removal of the Red Notice

A key step in challenging a red notice is to prepare a request for the removal of your data from the CCF. This appeal must adhere to the specified format and requirements. Any deviation will result in the refusal of consideration. Therefore, it is advisable to engage professional Interpol red notice removal lawyers for its preparation.

The request must necessarily include the following important components:

• the status of the person concerned. It is necessary to correctly provide your personal and contact details, as well as information about the representative.
• In outlining the general context of the case, it’s essential to describe why you are approaching the CCF and why the Commission should grant your request. It’s important to write succinctly yet meaningfully. The clearer your position, the greater your chances of success.
• It’s necessary to specify who and on what grounds could have added your data to the international search database. And why this violates your rights and the principles of the Organisation.
• the nature of the offense. It is necessary to justify why the crime for which you have been declared internationally wanted does not meet Interpol’s criteria. Or to reveal other grounds for the removal of the notice.
• risk of torture or other violation of your rights as a result of being issued a red card.

The specific components of the request may vary depending on the client’s case. That’s precisely why our lawyers at Interpol Law Firm meticulously study the circumstances of the case. This allows us to select and reveal the most effective arguments that will work in your situation.

Preventive requests to CFF

A preventive request to the Commission is a way to avoid being issued a red notice or diffusion. It also allows for the removal of already published notices.

Typically, pre-emptive requests are used when there is reason to anticipate the publication of a red circular. For example, if a person is under criminal investigation and there is a high likelihood of an international warrant being issued.

A preventive request is submitted in the form of a written appeal to the CCF, asking not to process any information concerning the individual. It is important to present arguments as to why declaring the person wanted would violate Interpol’s rules and human rights.

The commission receives your request along with all supporting materials that verify the facts stated in the submission. These are then forwarded to the General Secretariat of the Organisation.

If in the future the state initiates a search for a person, Interpol will consider the information from the pre-emptive request and may refuse to issue or block a red notice.

Preparing Safe Pass Letters

If you are in an Interpol international database due to a Red Notice or SLTD entry, traveling abroad may result in detention, interrogation or denial of entry. Even if the case has already been appealed or you have submitted a request to have the notice removed, the passport may still raise questions with border authorities.

Our legal team prepares custom Safe Pass Letters – official legal letters that explain the legal situation, confirm the procedures initiated and help avoid misunderstandings at the border. Such a letter increases the chances of unimpeded entry into the country, protects against unjustified detention, and can be used in courts and migration authorities. We will ensure you have a safe and sound journey, guiding you every step of the way.

What is a “Safe Pass Letter”?

A Safe Pass Letter is a formal legal letter prepared by attorneys that contains a description of the individual’s current legal situation, an explanation of the reasons for the Interpol notice, confirmation of the challenge or removal process for the notice, and reference to international standards that protect the client from arbitrary detention.

This document is provided for presentation to border, visa and law enforcement authorities. It may be accompanied by copies of applications to the CCF Commission, extracts from attorney requests and explanatory materials.

The main goal of the Safe Pass Letter is to minimize the risk of unjustified detention, denial of entry or other restrictions if the client is under the influence of a Red Notice or Diffusion, is mentioned in the SLTD database (stolen or lost documents), disputes an international notification within the framework of Interpol, or is involved in a cross-border legal dispute.

A legal letter demonstrates that the client consciously interacts with lawyers, acts within the law and does not shy away from procedure, and therefore deserves respect for his procedural rights and the presumption of innocence. A Safe Pass Letter does not override an Interpol notice, but it does serve as legal clarification and proof that the person undertakes legal steps to protect your interests.

If you require such a document, please contact our legal team. We will prepare it personally, take into account all the legal nuances and provide maximum legal protection when traveling abroad.

In what cases is a Safe Pass Letter needed?

1. Active Interpol notifications under appeal

If a Red Notice or Interpol diffusion has been published against you, and you have already begun the appeal procedure through the File Control Commission, it is important to have a document confirming this fact. Despite the filing of a complaint, the notification may continue to appear in databases available to border authorities. The Safe Pass Letter confirms that the case is pending and helps avoid misunderstandings when crossing borders.

2. Previously canceled notifications, information about which may have been stored in databases

Even after successful removal of an INTERPOL notice, residual records may continue to exist in local border control systems, migration service databases, airlines and visa centers. In these cases, the Safe Pass Letter serves as proof that the notice is no longer valid and helps convince authorities that the trip is legal.

3. Frequent trips to countries cooperating with Interpol

If you regularly visit countries with enhanced controls and active cooperation with Interpol (USA, UK, UAE, EU countries), the presence of even minor mentions in the legal framework may be a reason for secondary inspection, questioning and a temporary entry ban. The Safe Pass Letter becomes an important part of the package of documents for a safe trip.

4. Business trips and international conferences

In the case of important business trips, participation in international forums, medical examinations or surgical operations abroad, a temporary delay at the border can disrupt the entire travel schedule. To avoid disruptions and unnecessary delays, a lawyer’s letter will help explain the situation in advance and prepare a formal position in front of the inspectors.

5. Refugee status or political asylum

Many political refugees or those granted asylum in another country find their previous governments filing Interpol notices against them with politically motivated charges. Safe Pass Letter in this case emphasizes that the client is under international protection, and any actions regarding him must be considered taking into account the norms of international humanitarian and human rights law.

What does the Safe Pass Letter include?

The first section of the letter should describe the client’s legal situation in detail. It contains:

• Clear identification of the client (full name, date of birth, passport details);
• A brief history of the situation – the presence of an Interpol notification, the basis for its publication;
• the client’s current status: has an application for deletion been submitted, at what stage of the appeal, is there any connection with the case.

This block provides the context necessary for border control or immigration authorities to understand the situation.

To strengthen the position, the letter must provide legal grounds, including:

• Article 3 of the Interpol Constitution, which prohibits the use of the Interpol system for political, military, racial and religious purposes;
• The presumption of innocence, enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 14);
• The norms of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Articles 5, 6, 8);
• National legislation provisions of the country of destination (if applicable).

Such reasoning demonstrates that the client is acting within the law and should not be subject to unreasonable restrictions.

If an INTERPOL notification is active but a complaint has already been filed, the Safe Pass Letter reflects the date the complaint was filed with the CCF Commission, the complaint number (if already assigned), and a description of the grounds on which the notification is challenged. The presence of this information confirms that the client is using legal defense mechanisms, which means that any actions against him should be suspended until a final decision is made.

Further, the letter indicates the arguments in favor of not using restrictive measures: the absence of an arrest warrant in the host country, the unfoundedness of international prosecution, the legal status of the client, the existence of international appeal procedures. It may also be stated here that any actions against the client without a court decision will violate his fundamental rights.

The Safe Pass Letter is drawn up in the format of a direct appeal to migration, visa or border authorities. The letter uses polite but persuasive argumentation. It is recommended to attach to the letter a copy of the client’s passport, confirmation of the application to the CCF or national authorities, previous legal opinions, court decisions confirming the absence of grounds for prosecution. These materials support the text of the letter and increase its legal force during verification.

International legal framework and practice

Red Notice serves as a signal to law enforcement agencies to search for a person for the purpose of arrest and extradition. However, it is important to understand that the notification is not an arrest warrant and does not automatically oblige the country to detain the person. The decision on whether and how to respond to a notification is made by each country independently, based on its national legislation, international obligations and law enforcement practice.

The European Union is committed to the principle of proportionality and the protection of human rights. Although Interpol notifications are recorded in databases (via SIS II), EU countries often refuse to detain individuals.

In the United States, Interpol notices are considered indicative information, but do not amount to a federal arrest warrant. Detention under a Red Notice is only possible if a national warrant has been issued in the United States. However, the notification may result in denial of entry, delay in passport control, or administrative checks.

In the UAE, Interpol notifications are of significant importance. The country actively cooperates with Interpol and can detain a person even without a court decision only on the basis of a notification. This is why the Safe Pass Letter is especially important in this jurisdiction – it allows authorities to be notified in advance of the existence of an appeal process and to provide a legal argument for avoiding unmotivated detentions.

Procedure for preparing a letter

The process begins with a personal consultation with a lawyer. At this stage, we listen to the client, determine the essence of the problem (which notification is valid, at what stage of consideration), and clarify the purpose of the trip and the countries where difficulties could potentially arise. The lawyer also explains the legal nature of the Safe Pass Letter and how it can be applied to the client’s specific situation.

The next stage is the analysis of the notification in the Interpol database. We check whether the client is in the public or closed part of the Interpol database, the content of the notification (reason, initiating country, alleged crime), whether there is an appeal to the CCF or other authorities. In some cases, we also forward inquiries to INTERPOL national contact points to confirm the status of the notification. 

The Safe Pass Letter should not be templated, but completely tailored to the client’s situation. We develop a letter strategy taking into account the client’s goals (travel, visa, business trip, transit), the countries where the border is planned to be crossed (depending on their response to Interpol notifications), and the status of the case (appealed or already deleted). This allows you to prepare not just a text, but a full-fledged legal position, supported by facts and legal references.

Our lawyers review the legitimacy and legal significance of each document to ensure the legal validity of the letter. We deliver the completed Safe Pass Letter to the client in electronic and paper form. If necessary, we send directly to the airline, visa center or immigration authorities. We provide the client with detailed instructions on how to use the letter at the border, when applying for a visa or submitting documents. If necessary, we accompany the client in the process of passing border control through online consultation or communication with lawyers in the country of entry.

Our legal team has extensive experience working with Interpol, successful practice of interaction with the CCF, national courts, migration and law enforcement agencies, as well as a wide partner network in the EU, UAE, USA, Canada and Asia.  We know what wording works, how notifications are interpreted in different countries, and how to minimize risks for clients when traveling internationally. Contact us and we will prepare for you a reliable Safe Pass Letter that will protect your rights and ensure security at the border.

INTERPOL Red Notice Lawyers: How Experts Can Help

Our legal firm, Interpol Law Firm, specializes in defending clients against unlawful persecution and abuses of Interpol’s mechanisms. In our arsenal, we have dozens of successful cases challenging Interpol red notices.

If you have suspicions about being declared internationally wanted, a lawyer will do everything necessary to protect your interests.

• Request access. A specialist will help clarify the situation and determine whether you are indeed under a red alert.
• Make preventive requests. This is an effective tool that helps prevent you from being added to international search databases.
• Submit a request for red notice deletion. The lawyer will prepare a valid and well-founded request for the removal of an Interpol red notice and will keep their finger on the pulse until results are obtained.
• Apply for a review. Even if the CCF has denied your request, it can be challenged. Such a request can be submitted if new facts regarding your case have emerged within 6 months of the decision being made.

A red notice removal might seem like a complex and insurmountable issue, but not when you have qualified lawyers on your side. From the moment you reach out to our experts, you are not left to face the problem alone. We do everything in our power to restore your rights and opportunities for a full life.

Contact Interpol Red Notice Solicitors

If you require legal advice on an Interpol red notice or have questions regarding extradition, investigating cross-border crimes, etc., – opt for experienced professionals from our Interpol Law Firm.

The experienced interpol solicitors offer professional legal advice based on decades of experience working across multiple jurisdictions. Our Interpol lawyers also consistently handle red notice cases across multiple jurisdictions. No matter how complex your case may be, we will find a solution thanks to our expertise and accumulated experience.

To discuss your situation with specialists, please use the contact details on this website. Give us a call or write to us on a messaging app of your choice.

Dmytro Konovalenko

Senior Partner, Attorney-at-law, admitted to the Bar (Certificate to practice Law #001156)

Lawyer, an expert in extradition and Interpol. He is a member of the International Bar Association. For more than 5 years he has been defending clients against international wanted notices from the USA, Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and other countries. Dmytro has had a positive experience in taking preventive measures to block the search at the initial stages. Dmytro specializes in the defense of economic, political, and war crimes

Phone:

+357 25 059 684

Email:

[email protected]

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