When a person finds out that they are wanted by Interpol, it can come as a real shock and raise a lot of questions and concerns. Interpol is an international organization that coordinates the search for suspected criminals around the world, and being in its database means the risk of being detained in any country. However, being on the Interpol wanted list is not always a sign of guilt – sometimes it can happen due to a mistake or even politically motivated persecution. Understanding your rights and what you should do first can help you avoid serious consequences and protect yourself from unjustified accusations.
What is Interpol?
Interpol, or the International Criminal Police Organization, is a global structure that helps coordinate law enforcement agencies from 194 countries in the fight against international crime. Interpol does not conduct investigations on its own, but acts as an information center that facilitates the exchange of data between police in different countries. Its notification system helps to put out wanted notices for people suspected of serious crimes and coordinate their arrest.
One of Interpol’s most famous tools is the red notice, which is used for international search and involves the detention of a person for possible extradition. Red notice removal is a complicated process that requires substantial evidence of the illegality of the request. To get a red notice removed, you need to submit a request to the Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) with a full package of documents confirming the violation or illegality of the actions.
How to check the information
If you suspect that you are wanted by Interpol, it is important to first check the information about the existence of a red notice against you. There are several ways to do this:
Contact the national central bureau of Interpol. Each country has its own Interpol bureau that deals with wanted requests. You can request a red notice, but keep in mind that not all countries provide this information directly to citizens.
Consultation with an attorney specializing in Interpol matters. An experienced lawyer can help with submitting a request to Interpol or to the Interpol Control Commission (CCF), which deals with the correctness of the data and the legality of its use.
Request to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL Files (CCF). You can submit an official request to the CCF to find out whether information about you is in the INTERPOL databases. The Commission has the right to provide such information if there are grounds to believe that a red notice was issued unlawfully.
Interpol website
The official website of Interpol can be a useful resource for checking information on an international wanted list. This site contains a public database of wanted persons, where you can find red notices available for public viewing. Although not all red notices are made public, you can check whether your name is among the published data on the website. To do so, simply visit the Red Notices section and search by name or other known information. However, it is worth remembering that the absence of your name on the website does not mean that there is no red notice in the non-public Interpol database.
Formal request to the CCF
If you suspect that an INTERPOL Red Notice has been issued against you, you can submit an official request to the INTERPOL Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). This body is independent and deals with complaints related to the use of INTERPOL databases, ensuring that the information complies with the rules and does not violate human rights.
To submit a request to the CCF, you must prepare a detailed application, which should include your personal data, the grounds for the check, and evidence that can confirm the illegality of the search. The CCF will review your request and, if it finds violations or illegality in the case, has the authority to delete or correct the information in the Interpol database.
How to protect yourself from extradition?
If you are wanted by Interpol and are at risk of extradition, it is important to know how to protect yourself from being forcibly transferred to another country. Defending yourself against extradition requires a comprehensive approach and the support of a lawyer specializing in international law. The main steps include:
- Obtaining legal assistance. An Interpol lawyer with experience in extradition matters will help you develop a defense strategy, challenge the extradition request in court and find legal grounds for refusal.
- References to political motives or human rights violations. If a red notice was issued on the basis of political persecution or violates your rights, such as the right to a fair trial, a lawyer can prove these circumstances and thereby block extradition.
- Appeal to national courts. In most countries, the decision to extradite is made by a court, so it is important to provide evidence that confirms the danger or violation of your rights in the event of extradition to the requesting country.
- Support from international organizations. In some cases, you can turn to international human rights organizations to help stop extradition if it is unlawful or threatens your safety.
Is it possible to remove an INTERPOL Red Notice?
Yes, it is possible to remove an INTERPOL Red Notice, but it is a complex and lengthy process that requires solid evidence and careful preparation. Removal of a red notice is usually possible in the following cases:
- Illegality or political motivation. If the notice was issued in violation of Interpol’s rules, for example, for political or discriminatory reasons, you can request its removal. Interpol prohibits the use of red notices for persecution that is politically, racially, religiously or militarily motivated.
- Appeal to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL Files (CCF). This is a special independent body of Interpol that considers complaints about data in the organization’s databases. To remove a red notice, you must submit an official request to the CCF, explaining in detail the grounds for canceling the notice and providing supporting documents.
- Proof that the allegations are unfounded. If there is convincing evidence that the allegations have no legal basis or are based on false information, this may also be grounds for revoking the red notice.
Removing a red notice is a complicated process that requires legal support and preparation of documents. However, if the allegations are unlawful or violate Interpol rules, there are real chances of a positive outcome.
When do I need to contact lawyers?
Contacting a lawyer who specializes in international law and issues related to Interpol is a key step if you are wanted by this organization. A lawyer will help you determine your rights, assess your risks, and build a defense strategy. Here are some situations when you should immediately contact a lawyer:
- Detection of a red notice. If you find out that an Interpol Red Notice has been issued against you, a lawyer will help you understand what actions to take and whether it is possible to appeal or delete the notice.
- Risk of extradition. If there is a threat of extradition, a lawyer can help protect you from being forcibly transferred to the country that issued the request. An international law specialist will advise you on how to act in court to block extradition.
- Submitting a request to the Commission for the Control of Interpol Files (CCF). A lawyer will be able to prepare a complaint to the CCF about the misuse of your data or request a review and removal of the red notice. A properly drafted request increases the chances of success.
- Preventing repeated requests. After the red notice is removed, the lawyer will help you file a preventive request or application for revision with Interpol to avoid re-entering the database.