Interpol Red Notices

Gray & Cooper Group are leading criminal defense lawyers recognised for their expertise in international crime and challenging Interpol Red Notices

With increasing International co-operation in the fight against organised crime and terrorism, it is no surprise that record numbers of Interpol red notices are being issued year-on-year. Often referred to as a list of the ”most wanted international criminals” there will inevitably be serious reputational and other consequences for anyone named on a Interpol notice,

If you feature on a red notice we suggest you seek urgent legal advice. GCG can take steps to have the notice removed and help you with other immediate mitigating measures making you aware of the likelihood of arrest when crossing international borders.

It is also not uncommon for anyone named on a red notice to find their employers using this as an excuse for disciplinary action. In addition immigration concerns may arise and individuals may also face problems often in obtaining credit and bank account facilities.

Defending A Red Notice

Anyone named in a red notice has the right to seek its removal.  The rules governing red notice appeals allow individuals to apply to the CCIF, Interpol’s internal review body.

GCG’s international crime team, has extensive experience of advising individuals in challenging red notices and in making deletion applications to the CCIF. The CCIF is based in Lyon and is an independent body within Interpol.

Amongst its responsibilities it has the power to review and recommend the revocation of red notices. A final decision as to whether a red notice should stand is taken by Interpol having taking advice from the CCIF.

Interpol will issue a red notice when requested to do so by one of it’s 190 member states. This normally occurs where a provisional arrest warrant is outstanding and the requesting state seeks the extradition of a named individual.

The red notice is recorded on Interpol’s noticeboard and database and circulated amongst the world’s police forces.   

While a red notice is not an arrest warrant, many states believe it provides sufficient grounds to detain someone pending their extradition.

Experience has shown us that red notices are often open to abuse, particularly in the manipulation of the system by member states to political or other ends.

This is often the case with countries that do not uphold international minimum human rights standards. 

Deciding on what is the right strategy when challenging a red notice will depend on the facts of each particular case.