The International Criminal Police, known as Interpol, is a law enforcement agency that was created in 1923 and whose task is to combat international criminal crimes. The organization unites 195 participating countries and functions in accordance with the Statute of Interpol. Interpol does not have the authority to conduct independent investigations and arrests. Interpol coordinates actions between law enforcement agencies of other countries, providing them with its databases for information exchange. Let’s consider what categories of criminals are within the competence of Interpol and why exactly these crimes have international significance.
What crimes does Interpol cover?
Interpol focuses on crimes that are transnational in nature and require the joint efforts of several states for effective countermeasures. The organization acts in accordance with the principles of neutrality and respect for the sovereignty of states, according to Article 3 of the Interpol Statute, which prohibits interference in political, military, religious and racial affairs.
Terrorism
Terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international security and stability. Interpol effectively counters terrorism by providing the police of other countries with a platform to exchange information about terrorist groups, their members, financing and planned acts.
Interpol is developing special programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening the capabilities of participating countries in the fight against terrorism. This includes data analysis, training and coordination of international operations. In accordance with Resolution 1373 of the UN Security Council, states are obliged to cooperate in the prevention and suppression of terrorist activities, which strengthens the role of Interpol in this direction.
Organized crime
Organized crime, including the trade in narcotic substances, illegal arms trafficking and the activities of mafia structures, represents a serious threat to the international community. Interpol provides assistance in coordinating the efforts of law enforcement agencies of various countries in countering these crimes.
Interpol provides access to databases, analytical tools and expertise, which allows countries to effectively identify and prosecute organized criminal groups. Within the framework of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime of 2000 (Palermo Convention), states undertake to cooperate in the pursuit of such criminals.
Cybercrime
Due to the development of technologies, cybercrime has become one of the fastest growing forms of criminal activity. Hacker attacks, fraud with personal data and theft of information have a serious impact on the economic and national security of states.
Interpol collaborates with the private sector and academic institutions to develop new methods of countering cyberthreats. In accordance with the 2001 Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, Interpol provides assistance to the international community in this direction as well.
Human trafficking and smuggling
Human trafficking and smuggling are considered serious violations of human rights and represent a problem that requires an international response. Interpol helps law enforcement agencies in the investigation of such cases by providing information exchange about criminal networks, routes of movement and methods of exploitation of victims.
In accordance with the UN Protocol on the Prevention and Suppression of Trafficking in Persons, supplementing the 2000 Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, Interpol takes an active part in the development and implementation of operations to combat this crime.
Environmental crimes
Illegal deforestation, poaching, and environmental pollution have a negative impact on the planet’s ecosystems and biodiversity. Interpol provides information and coordinates international efforts to prosecute persons and organizations engaged in environmental crimes. These actions are regulated by international agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Crimes in the field of art
Theft and illegal trade in cultural values damage the cultural heritage of mankind. Interpol helps in the investigation of such criminals by providing information exchange about stolen works of art and objects of worship.
The organization maintains a database of stolen works of art available to law enforcement agencies around the world. In accordance with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on Measures to Prohibit and Prevent the Illegal Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, Interpol promotes the return of stolen objects to their rightful owners.
War crimes
War crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. Interpol cooperates with the International Criminal Court and governments to investigate and prosecute persons accused of such crimes.
The organization ensures the exchange of information, coordination of actions on the search and arrest of suspects. In accordance with the Rome Statute of the ICC of 1998. States are obliged to cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of war criminals.
Interpol Red Notices
Red notices are one of the most effective tools of Interpol for the international search of criminals. They are requests to law enforcement agencies around the world to locate and temporarily arrest a person pending extradition or other legal action.
A red notice is not an international arrest warrant. It serves as a signal to member states that the wanted person is of interest to the law enforcement agencies of another country. The procedure for issuing red notices is regulated by the Statute of Interpol and internal rules of the organization, which ensure compliance with human rights and national legislation.