What Does INTERPOL Actually Do?

INTERPOL — the International Criminal Police Organization — is one of the most powerful and far-reaching law enforcement coordination bodies in the world. Yet despite its global reach and influence, many people have only a vague understanding of what INTERPOL actually does, what powers it holds, and what limits exist on its authority. This FAQ demystifies INTERPOL’s role: from the types of notices it issues to the databases it maintains, the investigations it supports, and — critically — the legal mechanisms that exist to challenge its actions when they are used improperly or in violation of individuals’ rights.

What Is INTERPOL and What Is Its Primary Mission?

INTERPOL — formally known as the International Criminal Police Organization — is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Lyon, France. Founded in 1923, it now has 195 member countries, making it the world’s largest international police organization. INTERPOL’s primary mission is to facilitate cooperation and information sharing among the law enforcement agencies of its member states in order to combat transnational crime.

It is important to understand that INTERPOL is not a police force in the traditional sense — it does not have its own officers who can make arrests. Instead, INTERPOL serves as a hub: it collects and shares information, maintains criminal databases, coordinates joint operations, provides analytical support, and issues international notices requesting action by member states. The actual power to arrest, detain, or extradite individuals rests with the national law enforcement agencies of each member country, not with INTERPOL itself.

INTERPOL’s activities span a wide range of criminal categories: terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, financial crime, fugitive operations, and more. Its work is guided by its Constitution, which explicitly prohibits any involvement in activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character. Despite this prohibition, the system is sometimes abused by member states, which is why independent oversight mechanisms — and experienced legal counsel — are essential. Learn more about how our firm handles INTERPOL-related cases.

What Types of Notices Does INTERPOL Issue?

INTERPOL issues several types of international notices, each color-coded and serving a distinct purpose. Understanding the differences between these notices is critical for anyone navigating an international law enforcement matter.

Red Notice — The most well-known type. Issued to request the location and provisional arrest of a wanted person pending extradition. This is not an international arrest warrant, but it has significant practical consequences for travel and freedom of movement.

Blue Notice — Used to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal matter. Less severe than a Red Notice but still a signal of law enforcement interest.

Green Notice — Provides warnings and criminal intelligence about individuals who have committed criminal offences and are likely to repeat them in other countries.

Yellow Notice — Used to help locate missing persons, especially minors, or to identify persons who are unable to identify themselves.

Black Notice — Seeks information on unidentified bodies.

Orange Notice — Warns of potential threats from improvised explosive devices, weapons, or dangerous individuals or groups.

Purple Notice — Seeks or provides information on modus operandi, objects, devices, or concealment methods used by criminals.

Interpol-UN Security Council Special Notice — Issued against individuals and entities subject to UN Security Council sanctions.

In addition to these notices, INTERPOL also publishes Diffusions — less formal, direct communications between member countries that function similarly to notices but are not published in the global database in the same way. Any of these tools can potentially be challenged through appropriate legal mechanisms. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation.

What Is the Difference Between a Red Notice and a Diffusion?

One of the most important distinctions in INTERPOL law is between a Red Notice and a Diffusion. Both are used to request international cooperation in locating and arresting individuals, but they differ significantly in their procedures, visibility, and legal challenge mechanisms.

A Red Notice is published in INTERPOL’s global database and is visible to all 195 member countries simultaneously. It must go through INTERPOL’s General Secretariat for review before publication, which provides at least a basic level of quality control. Red Notices are the most widely recognized and have the broadest international reach.

A Diffusion, by contrast, is sent directly from one member country’s National Central Bureau (NCB) to selected other NCBs, bypassing the General Secretariat’s review. Diffusions can be sent to specific countries or to all members and may be entered into INTERPOL’s databases at the discretion of the receiving country. Because they bypass the initial review process, diffusions are sometimes even more susceptible to abuse than Red Notices.

Importantly, diffusions can also be challenged through the CCF process. If you have reason to believe a diffusion has been issued against you, it is just as important to take legal action as it would be for a Red Notice. Our lawyers have experience challenging both Red Notices and diffusions at the CCF level. See our services for more information.

What Databases Does INTERPOL Maintain?

INTERPOL maintains a range of criminal databases that are accessible to law enforcement agencies in all member countries through its secure I-24/7 communications network. These databases represent one of INTERPOL’s most powerful tools for transnational law enforcement cooperation.

Key databases include: a nominal database containing records of individuals who are wanted or of law enforcement interest; databases of stolen and lost travel documents (one of the most frequently queried); fingerprint and DNA databases; a database of stolen motor vehicles; a database of child sexual abuse material; and databases related to terrorism, organized crime, and cybercrime.

Access to these databases is restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel. However, the data they contain can have profound consequences for the individuals named. Data inaccuracies, politically motivated entries, or information that violates INTERPOL’s rules can all be challenged. Under INTERPOL’s rules, individuals have the right to request access to data held about them and to seek correction or deletion of inaccurate or unlawful data. Our team can assist with data access requests and challenges. Contact us to learn more.

Can INTERPOL Be Used for Political Persecution?

INTERPOL’s own rules strictly prohibit the use of its systems for political, military, religious, or racial persecution. Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution states that it is strictly forbidden for the organization to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character.

Despite this prohibition, there is substantial documented evidence of INTERPOL’s systems being abused by certain member states — particularly authoritarian regimes — to target political opponents, activists, journalists, dissidents, and business rivals. Countries including Russia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and others have been identified as repeat offenders in publishing politically motivated Red Notices.

The CCF exists specifically to address such abuses. When it finds that a notice violates Article 3 or other rules, it can order the deletion of the notice and the associated data. Success rates in politically motivated cases can be high when the case is properly prepared and presented. Organizations such as Fair Trials International have documented numerous successful challenges. Our firm has extensive experience in precisely this type of case. If you believe you are the victim of a politically motivated INTERPOL notice, contact us immediately for a confidential assessment.

How Does INTERPOL Support International Investigations?

Beyond its notice system and databases, INTERPOL plays an active role in supporting multinational law enforcement operations and investigations. This operational support is a core part of INTERPOL’s mission to fight transnational crime that by definition crosses multiple national jurisdictions.

INTERPOL coordinates joint operations bringing together law enforcement agencies from multiple countries targeting specific criminal networks. It deploys Incident Response Teams to assist countries dealing with major criminal events or disasters. It provides analytical and forensic support, including digital forensics and criminal intelligence analysis. It also operates specialized units and programs targeting areas such as human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial crime.

INTERPOL also plays a significant role in fugitive operations — coordinating international efforts to locate and apprehend individuals who have fled their home country after committing serious crimes. Operation Lionfish, Operation Thunderball, and similar operations have led to thousands of arrests across multiple continents. Understanding INTERPOL’s operational capabilities is important for anyone facing a potential international law enforcement action. Our legal team can advise on all aspects of INTERPOL-related legal risks.