Our most frequent mandate is challenging INTERPOL Red Notices through the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). The following cases illustrate the range of jurisdictions and legal strategies our lawyers employ.

Case 1 — Russian Businessman, UAE (2024)

Background: A Russian national residing in Dubai was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at Russia’s request in connection with alleged fraud charges. The client had been living and working in the UAE for six years and faced imminent arrest during a business trip.

Challenge: Our lawyers filed an urgent CCF Access Request followed by a Challenge Request, arguing the notice was politically motivated under INTERPOL’s Article 3 and that the underlying criminal proceedings were conducted in absentia without proper notification.

Outcome: The CCF found the notice non-compliant with INTERPOL’s rules and ordered its deletion. The client’s travel freedom was fully restored. Total duration: 14 months.

Practice areas: Red Notice Removal | CCF Access Request

Case 2 — Ukrainian Entrepreneur, United Kingdom (2023)

Background: A Ukrainian citizen with UK permanent residence was flagged at Heathrow Airport due to a Red Notice issued by Ukraine in connection with a tax evasion claim. He was detained briefly and released pending review.

Challenge: Intercollegium filed an emergency CCF application arguing the notice violated INTERPOL’s prohibition on notices related to conduct that is not criminal in all member states. Parallel proceedings were initiated in UK courts to challenge any potential extradition.

Outcome: The CCF suspended the notice pending review within 3 months of filing. The UK court declined the extradition request on human rights grounds. The Red Notice was ultimately deleted. Duration: 11 months.

Practice areas: Red Notice Removal | Extradition Defence

Case 3 — Turkish National, Germany (2024)

Background: A Turkish national residing in Berlin faced a Red Notice issued by Turkey, allegedly connected to the 2016 coup attempt. The client had no involvement but was accused due to business associations with individuals on Turkey’s list.

Challenge: Our lawyers prepared a comprehensive CCF Challenge Request demonstrating the political nature of the prosecution under Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution. We submitted extensive documentary evidence including European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law regarding Turkish post-coup prosecutions.

Outcome: CCF deleted the Red Notice after finding clear evidence of political motivation. The client now travels freely. Duration: 16 months.

Practice areas: Red Notice Removal | Preventive Request

A Preventive Request (also called a Preventive Measure or Pre-Publication Request) allows individuals who have reason to believe they will be the subject of an INTERPOL notice to seek CCF protection before the notice is published.

Case 4 — Russian National, Spain (2023)

Background: A Russian entrepreneur operating businesses in Spain received credible intelligence that Russia was preparing to issue a Red Notice against him in connection with commercial dispute proceedings in Moscow. He approached us before any notice appeared in the INTERPOL system.

Challenge: We filed an urgent Preventive Request with the CCF, arguing the anticipated notice would be politically motivated and in violation of INTERPOL’s rules. We submitted evidence of the politically connected nature of the opposing party in the Moscow proceedings.

Outcome: The CCF accepted the Preventive Request and placed protective measures on the file. No Red Notice was ever published. The client continues to travel internationally without restriction.

Practice area: Preventive Request

Case 5 — UAE National, United Kingdom (2024)

Background: A UAE citizen was arrested in London following an extradition request from the UAE government in connection with alleged financial fraud. The client had fled the UAE following a civil dispute that subsequently became criminalised.

Challenge: Intercollegium’s extradition team argued the extradition would violate Article 6 (fair trial rights) of the European Convention on Human Rights. We submitted expert evidence on the UAE’s judicial system and documented the lack of independence of its courts in commercial cases involving government-connected parties.

Outcome: The UK court discharged the extradition request. The client was released and remains in the UK on a valid visa.

Practice areas: Extradition Defence | Red Notice Removal

Case 6 — Russian National, Turkey (2023)

Background: A Russian citizen was detained in Istanbul on a Russian extradition request. He had been residing in Turkey for two years and held valid residence status. The charges related to alleged embezzlement from a Russian state-linked company.

Challenge: Our team in Turkey filed urgent habeas corpus proceedings and submitted documentation proving the charges were fabricated at the instigation of a state-connected competitor. We argued successfully that extradition would expose the client to political persecution.

Outcome: Turkish courts refused the extradition on political persecution grounds. The client was released within 6 weeks of our engagement.

Practice areas: Extradition Defence | Red Notice Removal

Case 7 — Russian Businessman, OFAC SDN List (2024)

Background: A Russian national was designated on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list in 2022. His assets in the US were frozen and he was effectively excluded from the global financial system. He had not been charged with any crime and had no direct connection to the Russian government.

Challenge: Intercollegium’s OFAC team filed a Petition for Reconsideration with the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, arguing the designation was based on secondary association errors and that our client met OFAC’s criteria for de-listing. We submitted extensive due diligence documentation demonstrating financial independence from sanctioned parties.

Outcome: OFAC removed the client from the SDN list. His accounts were unfrozen and normal international financial transactions resumed.

Practice areas: OFAC Sanctions Lawyer | International Sanctions Lawyer

Case 8 — Mexican National, CCF Access Request (2023)

Background: A Mexican citizen discovered he was unable to travel to certain countries and suspected he was listed in INTERPOL’s database. He was unaware of any criminal proceedings against him and had no prior contact with the criminal justice system.

Challenge: Intercollegium filed a CCF Access Request on his behalf to determine what data INTERPOL held about him. The process required preparation of certified identity documents and a comprehensive legal submission explaining the basis for the request.

Outcome: The CCF confirmed our client had a Diffusion notice registered by Mexican federal authorities. We immediately filed a challenge. The Diffusion notice was deleted within 8 months of filing.

Practice areas: CCF Access Request | Diffusion Notice

Every case is different. The outcomes described above depend on the specific facts, jurisdiction, and timing of each matter. We offer a free confidential consultation to assess your situation and recommend a legal strategy.

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