Interpol, or the International Criminal Police, is an intergovernmental organization created to promote international cooperation in the fight against crime. Interpol does not have the right to conduct an arrest independently, they often use the law enforcement agencies of another country to carry out the arrest. Interpol coordinates the work of law enforcement agencies at the international level, making requests and informing other countries about a possible threat. Let’s consider what is the reason for the lack of possibility of independent arrest by Interpol, and the influence on this process of the internal legislation of the participating countries.
How does Interpol affect arrests?
Interpol conducts arrests through national law enforcement agencies. The powers of the international criminal police are limited to the coordination of actions between countries and the subsequent support of information exchange. Interpol cannot make arrests on its own. The main tool used by Interpol to facilitate arrests is the notification system. In particular, red notices are a mechanism by which countries can request the arrest or detention of an internationally wanted person.
Interpol conducts an arrest using certain developed mechanisms:
- Exchange of operational information: Interpol provides its own network for the secure exchange of data between law enforcement agencies of participating countries. What makes it possible to effectively track the movements of suspected persons trying to take refuge in another country;
- International cooperation: Interpol coordinates the actions of the police of different countries, which helps to fight more effectively with criminals who are wanted internationally;
- Issuance of notices: one of the main functions of Interpol is the issuance of notices of wanted persons. The most famous of them is a red notice, which is a request for the temporary detention or arrest of a person pending extradition. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that an Interpol red notice is not an international arrest warrant. In each country, it should be considered in accordance with national legislation.
Interpol provides analytical and technical support, including DNA, fingerprint and digital forensics. The organization is actively involved in training and improving the qualifications of law enforcement officers of different countries, which promotes more effective interaction.
If there is a threat of arrest, we recommend contacting our Interpol lawyers. Our team of lawyers with many years of experience in the field of international law will provide you with reliable legal protection of your rights.
Can Interpol make arrests anywhere?
Conducting arrests must comply with the established norms of international agreements and the legislation of the country where the suspect lives. Interpol does not have the authority to independently detain persons on the territory of other countries. Each country reserves the right to control the actions of its own law enforcement agencies. Let’s consider the main limitations of Interpol’s powers to make an arrest on the territory of other countries:
- Legal grounds: Interpol does not have the authority to make arrests in countries without approval. The activity of the International Criminal Police is subject to the legal and political framework of international cooperation. For example, a country can ignore Interpol’s requests if they contradict its domestic legislation or international agreements;
- National legislation: each country has its own rules regarding the execution of Interpol requests. Some countries require that requests be confirmed by court decisions or warrants of local law enforcement agencies. It is especially relevant in legal systems where the rights of suspects are strictly protected, for example in the USA, Great Britain and Germany;
- The role of national law enforcement agencies: in all countries, the arrest procedure is carried out by the law enforcement agencies of their country, which enforce their own laws and procedural actions. Interpol can only assist these processes by providing the necessary information and coordinating actions.
Thus, Interpol carries out an arrest exclusively within the limits of the powers granted to it by the participating countries. He cannot independently interfere in the affairs of countries and carry out arrests on their territory.
What crimes does Interpol deal with?
The International Police investigates and prosecutes international criminal offenders. Therefore, in order to ensure the irreversibility of punishing criminals, there is a need for coordination of actions and cooperation between countries. The main list of criminal offenders on which Interpol works includes:
- Terrorism: the fight against international terrorism remains one of Interpol’s top priorities. The organization actively assists countries in exchanging information about terrorist groups, preventing terrorist attacks and investigating criminal activity in this direction;
- Organized crime: Interpol provides assistance to countries in the fight against large international criminal organizations, such as mafia structures, drug cartels and other forms of organized crime;
- Human trafficking: international human trafficking is one of the most serious crimes that Interpol is fighting. The organization is working to stop illegal activities of human trafficking and help victims of this crime;
- Cybercrime: given the rapid development of technology, cybercrime is becoming more and more common and dangerous. Interpol provides assistance in the fight against hackers, Internet fraudsters using technology to conduct illegal activities;
- Corruption and money laundering: international corruption and financial crimes are also within the jurisdiction of Interpol. The organization cooperates with law enforcement agencies of different countries to track and stop illegal financial flows and bring the guilty parties to justice.
The above criminal offenses require the coordinated work of law enforcement agencies of different countries. Interpol, in turn, coordinates actions and helps bring criminal elements to justice.
Can Interpol pursue specific individuals?
Interpol plays a key role in the pursuit of certain individuals who are internationally wanted. However, due to limitations in powers, Interpol has no legal grounds to prosecute and arrest. In this regard, Interpol coordinates the actions of law enforcement agencies of other countries to apprehend criminals, using the following:
- Information exchange: Interpol has at its disposal resources for the collection, storage and exchange of data on the activities of criminals. Interpol has access to criminal records, biometric data, information on passports, vehicles and movements of suspects. Databases are integrated into international information exchange systems, which allows tracking the movement of criminals and their activity in real time. This allows law enforcement agencies of different countries to quickly respond to threats, even if the criminal crosses borders or tries to hide in another jurisdiction;
- Red notices: used by Interpol to facilitate international arrests. The notification is an official request from one country to other Interpol member states for the temporary detention of a suspect. A red notice is not an arrest warrant with legal force in all countries, but it allows countries to take the necessary measures for the temporary arrest of a person pending his extradition. Interpol conducts arrests through the notified system, which significantly speeds up the process of interaction between countries and allows avoiding bureaucratic delays;
- Coordination of international operations: when it comes to cross-border crimes or complex operations related to the capture of dangerous criminals, Interpol acts as an intermediary between participating countries. Ensuring effective interaction of law enforcement agencies. It is especially relevant in cases when criminals cross state borders or use complex schemes to hide their activities.
In case of problems related to an Interpol red notice, arrest warrant, extradition, we recommend contacting our Interpol lawyers. Our team of qualified lawyers has many years of experience in international affairs. Timely application for legal protection will help you avoid possible mistakes and protect your rights.
Frequently asked questions
Can Interpol make arrests in Great Britain?
In the UK, arrests are carried out by local law enforcement agencies such as the police and the National Crime Agency (NCA). Upon receipt of an Interpol red notice, the British authorities may detain a person in accordance with the law and other regulations. However, Interpol does not have the right to independently make arrests on the territory of Great Britain.
Can Interpol make arrests in the USA?
Interpol does not have the right to independently conduct an arrest in the United States. Interpol uses local law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or state police, to make arrests, subject to compliance with US law. Interpol’s request must be checked for compliance with the constitutional rights of citizens and legal norms of the country.
Can Interpol make arrests in Germany?
In Germany, arrests are made by the federal state police and other law enforcement agencies. If there is an Interpol notification, the German authorities will assess it in accordance with national legislation and may detain the person. However, Interpol does not have the right to independently carry out arrests in Germany.