HomeInterpol Wanted List
Our experienced team of Interpol lawyers specializes in addressing the complexities of Interpol wanted list, providing comprehensive support from advising on your legal rights to challenging the red notice’s validity. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensure you receive the highest level of legal defense and support.
Interpol is an international criminal police organisation that facilitates international cooperation between law enforcement agencies from different countries in combating transnational and organized crime together. The primary goal of law enforcement use of Interpol as described in the the interpol’s rules and constitution, is to identify and apprehend criminals who have been issued with international arrest warrants for law enforcement agencies to use and thus are on the interpol’s wanted list. To achieve this, law enforcement use of the Organisation utilises the Interpol Wanted List.
What is the Interpol Wanted List?
The Interpol wanted list is a database of individuals who are subject to international search requests by member countries of the organization. These individuals may be wanted person accused or convicted by international tribunal of crimes within the jurisdiction of international cooperation or of own laws of the requesting country. Both the public, police forces, and judicial authorities everywhere can access the public database of wanted persons, which is available on Interpol’s official website.
But in reality, Interpol does not maintain a traditional “wanted persons list”. Instead, the organization uses Interpol red notices to communicate information about individuals wanted by member countries apply them as the ten most wanted fugitives”. Red Notices serve as international requests for the provisional arrest of individuals with the aim of their subsequent extradition. A Red Notice is not an arrest warrant. It is a unique tool for sharing information about individuals among ten most wanted fugitives” by Interpol with member countries.
How Interpol Wanted List Works
A Red Notice is an official international alert, requesting the arrest of an individual for the purpose of extradition. The process commences following a request to Interpol. It must include comprehensive information about the crime and evidence proving the request for arrest is legitimate. After verification, Interpol may issue a Red Notice to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, if the person is found guilty and meets the organization’s criteria.
The red notice contains the following information about the wanted person:
- Information about the individual (full name and known aliases, date and place of birth, nationality, photographs, and other identification details);
- Description of the crime (conditions of the charge or court ruling, sentence, and other details).
After a Red Notice is issued, it is shared with all member countries of Interpol. The full red notices and most Interpol notice lists can be made publicly available through an open database of wanted persons on the official Interpol website. However, not all such public red notices are accessible to all member countries apply to the public. They may be kept confidential due to security concerns for the person being sought.
If you’ve encountered a court order issued for a red notice or are facing a red notice request with similar legal action for extradition, our experienced solicitors are ready to provide qualified legal assistance and defense.
How to Search the Interpol Wanted List
If you wish to check whether your name appears on Interpol’s list of wanted individuals, there are several ways to access such information.
Firstly, on the official Interpol website, there is a public database of wanted individuals. In this section, users can view some of the information.
How to Use the Interpol Database:
- Visit the official Interpol website.
- Find the “Red Notices” section.
- Enter the required information (for example, the name of the person being searched for, the country, or the type of crime);
- Browse the search results to find information about what you’re looking for.
The following information may be available on the website: full name, photographs, descriptions of crimes, and identification details.
However, not all information can be made publicly accessible due to security considerations or legal restrictions. In such a situation, you can submit a request for access to information if you have a legitimate reason or a need to obtain the data.
How to submit a request:
- Contact the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF);
- Prepare a request stating the reasons for access to the data.
- The CCF will review your request and provide access to the relevant information, provided it does not contravene confidentiality rules or international law.
If you have any questions about searching or removal of Interpol’s red notice. Our solicitors can provide expert assistance. We offer comprehensive services for verifying whether your name is in the Interpol database and for protection against unlawful actions. Please contact us to receive a consultation.
What can Get You on the Interpol Wanted List?
A person can end up on the Interpol Wanted List by receiving a Red Notice. They are the red notices issued for the following serious crimes such as murder; rape; human trafficking; terrorism; drug trafficking; organized crime; fraud; money laundering; corrupt activities; tax evasion; violation of international sanctions.
Risks of Being Listed on Interpol’s Wanted List
If your name appears on Interpol’s wanted list, you risk facing various legal consequences and potential risks. This could restrict your freedom of movement and other human rights.
The main consequences of receiving a Red Notice from the Interpol task force:
- Freedom of movement restrictions. The majority of Interpol member countries can detain you at the border based on a red notice. This complicates the possibility of traveling and business trips.
- Extradition risk. If the country where you were detained has an extradition treaty with the requesting state, you could be arrested and handed over to the authorities of that country.
- Reputational issues. Even if the accusations are politically motivated or unfounded, a red notice from Interpol can lead to a loss of trust from business partners, employers, and colleagues. This is particularly important for individuals holding high-ranking positions or involved in international activities.
- Freezing of assets. Many countries can restrict access to the financial resources of a person under investigation, creating additional obstacles for their defense and business operations.
- Criminal liability. If an individual has been issued an international arrest warrant for crimes punishable in multiple countries, they may face criminal prosecution in several jurisdictions.
To be prepared for any consequences, seek advice from a qualified solicitor. Our international firm offers the opportunity to access high-quality legal services.
How to Remove Yourself from the Interpol Wanted List
To remove a third Interpol’s red notice list, one must submit an official request to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). In this request, our lawyers challenge law enforcement authorities and judicial authorities on the legality of the red notices and notice requests and point out potential violations. The review process can take several months. Following this, the CCF makes a decision on whether to maintain or remove the red notice. If the decision is positive, the third Interpol’s red notice list is deleted from INTERPOL’s database, and the individual is no longer considered wanted.
There are several grounds for the removal of an Interpol red notice:
- Political, military, religious, or racial nature of persecution;
- Human rights violation;
- The risk of the use of torture, inhumane treatment, or the death penalty;
- The accusations are not supported by sufficient evidence or are unfounded.
- The notification was issued to the wrong person.
- The court acquitted or dropped the case against the person in question.
Consult a solicitor specializing in international criminal law and with experience in dealing with an international tribunal of serious crimes, organized crime, and criminal activity and working with police and Interpol on international requests. The solicitor will assess the circumstances of the case and determine the most effective defense strategy.
The solicitor will prepare the necessary documentation for the court order allowing police not to arrest a person on red notices and justify the reasons for the removal of the red colour notices and the person wanted in Interpol. Communications with the CCF are confidential, and information about red notices is not disclosed to third parties. Each case of red notices is considered individually, and the decision to remove this Interpol notice depends on a variety of factors.
If you need help with the removal of Interpol red notice contact us for consultation and professional support. We offer a full range of services, from case analysis to representing client interests in international instances. Our lawyers will help you minimize risks and achieve successful notification removal.
How can Interpol Lawyers Assist You?
Our specialists in international law offer clients comprehensive legal support at all stages of solving a specific problem. In our work, we employ a holistic approach, years of experience, and knowledge regarding all the nuances of international protection to challenge Interpol red notices and remove you from the wanted list.
Our main services:
- Challenging an Interpol notice
- Preventing extradition;
- Protection of human rights;
- Legal advice;
- Preparation and submission of legal documents;
- Representation in court;
- Support in investigations.
Our legal team will help in investigating the legal framework, the charges brought against you, and the international obligations of the parties involved. We will assess the potential for political motivation or human rights violations.
We will prepare a legal dossier that outlines any possible infringements of Interpol’s constitution by law enforcement authorities or the police officer requesting country. Our experts will help you submit an official inquiry to the CCF, challenging the existence of an arrest warrant or a red notice and any other International alert.
Our lawyers guide clients through every stage of the process, from the initial inquiry to the complete removal of your name from the most wanted fugitives list. We will support you in any country and ensure that your rights are protected at an international level.
We have extensive experience in handling international law enforcement matters related to extradition proceedings and Interpol notices. Our experienced specialists develop a defense strategy based on the specific circumstances of the person pending extradition case.
Get in touch with us to receive advice and develop an effective defense strategy for your situation.
What is INTERPOL most wanted?
INTERPOL’s “Most Wanted” list, known as Red Notices, is a database of individuals sought by member countries for prosecution or to serve a sentence. It identifies fugitives wanted for serious crimes internationally, facilitating their location and possible extradition.
Who can access information on INTERPOL’s Wanted List?
INTERPOL’s Wanted List, specifically Red Notices, is accessible to law enforcement agencies in INTERPOL’s 195 member countries. While most Red Notices are restricted to authorized personnel, some are made public on INTERPOL’s website, allowing general access to information about individuals wanted for serious crimes.
Are Red Notices legally binding on all INTERPOL member countries?
No, Red Notices are not legally binding on INTERPOL member countries. They serve as requests for cooperation in locating and detaining individuals but do not hold the force of an arrest warrant. Each country decides whether to act on a Red Notice based on its own laws and international agreements.
How can someone find out if they are on the INTERPOL Wanted List?
To find out if they are on the INTERPOL Wanted List, individuals cannot directly access INTERPOL’s database but can submit a request to INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The CCF reviews requests to confirm if a Red Notice exists and ensures compliance with INTERPOL’s rules, although it may not disclose specific details. Alternatively, if a Red Notice is public, it may be available on INTERPOL’s website.
