Can I be arrested based solely on a Diffusion if no Red Notice exists?

By Dr. Anatoliy Yarovyi — Senior Partner

Updated: 26 Oct 2026

Yes, it is possible. State-to-state alerts enter national databases and can trigger border warnings in the countries that receive them. Crucially, arrest authority derives from the receiving state’s domestic law, not from Interpol itself. In jurisdictions like the UAE, Turkey, and Thailand, officials may detain flagged individuals while verifying data with the issuing NCB. Before boarding any international flight, it is highly recommended to run an Interpol status check to uncover hidden alerts.

Initial border detention periods vary, and provisional arrest pending a formal extradition request can last for a period set by national law and applicable treaties (for example, up to 40 days under the European Convention on Extradition). If you face a border crisis, securing an extradition defence lawyer is critical to contest the local custody order. To address outstanding cross-border warrants before an arrest occurs, building a proactive Interpol defence strategy allows you to challenge and remove unlawful data.