Interpol vs Europol: What’s the difference?

Europol and Interpol are often perceived as similar organizations, as they are both involved in the fight against crime, but they differ significantly in terms of their functions and geographical coverage. Interpol has a global reach and brings together countries from all over the world, while Europol focuses exclusively on the borders of the European Union. 

Interpol is a global organization established in 1923 to promote cooperation between police forces and national authorities from different countries in the fight against international crime. Its activities cover a wide range of crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking, child sexual abuse, cybercrime, and human trafficking. It aids in international law enforcement even where diplomatic relations are absent.

Headquartered in Lyon, France, INTERPOL has seven regional offices and a National Central Bureau in each member country, with the UK bureau located in Manchester’s NCA office. It consists of a General Secretariat responsible for day-to-day operations and a General Assembly that meets once a year to make important decisions.

Despite its effectiveness, Interpol does not conduct its own investigations and has no arrest powers. Its main role is to facilitate the exchange of information and coordinate the actions of national and other police forces and international law enforcement agencies. One of its key tools to achieve that is the Red Notice, or international arrest warrant, which is a request for the detention of persons wanted for extradition or prosecution.

If you are subject to an Interpol notice, our lawyers can assist with interpol red notice removal through formal CCF procedures. You may also consider filing a preventive request at Interpol to block a notice before it is formally issued against you — a proactive step that has protected many of our clients.