HomeDeletion of INTERPOL Data in a Case from Kenya: Successful Defense of a UK Client
The Problem Faced by the Client
A British citizen became the subject of a Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of Kenyan law enforcement. He was accused of complicity in fraud and document forgery related to the sale and transfer of a cargo aircraft. Due to the arrest warrant issued against him, the client faced the risk of being detained in any country and was unable to travel freely or conduct business activities.
Prosecution’s Position and Allegations
According to information provided by Kenya’s National Central Bureau (NCB), the client was one of six individuals accused in a case involving the forgery of airworthiness and registration certificates for a “Transall C160” aircraft. The plane was allegedly purchased on behalf of two companies and transferred from Kisumu Airport in Kenya to Uganda without the seller’s knowledge. The client was accused of conspiring to commit fraud and of unlawfully transferring an aircraft valued at approximately 4 million USD.
Resolution, Key Issues, and Defense Strategy
The client’s legal team submitted a request to INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) demanding the deletion of the data. They highlighted the following key points:
- The Red Notice lacked a clear description of the client’s role in the alleged crime;
- The charges were inconsistent — different documents cited contradictory timelines for the alleged offenses;
- The client had no authority to act on behalf of the companies mentioned and did not participate in the registration or transportation of the aircraft;
- The submitted evidence contained no concrete facts linking the client to document forgery or personal gain from the alleged actions.
The Commission contacted the Kenyan authorities requesting additional evidence of the client’s individual role and clarification of the timeline inconsistencies. However, Kenya’s NCB failed to provide new information or explanations substantiating the client’s involvement in the alleged crime. The documents submitted contained only vague allegations and did not specify any actions taken by the client.
The Commission emphasized that the publication of a Red Notice requires a sufficient factual basis indicating the individual’s involvement in a crime. In this case, such information was lacking.
Outcome: A Decision in Favor of the Client
The Commission concluded that the data concerning the client did not meet INTERPOL’s rules on the processing of personal information. As a result, the information was ordered to be deleted from INTERPOL’s database and removed from the organization’s official website. Thanks to the well-prepared legal defense and convincing arguments, the client was freed from international wanted status and the risks of detention via INTERPOL channels.
If you or someone you know is facing international legal pressure due to an INTERPOL Red Notice, don’t wait. The consequences can be severe — from arrest to travel restrictions and damage to your reputation.
Contact our experienced legal team at Intercollegium to assess your case and start building a strong defense today. Your freedom and future may depend on it.
