Red Notice Lawyers


Interpol Diffusion

What is Interpol’s diffusion?

So, Interpol diffusion is an effective tool for organizing international law enforcement activities and for the rapid exchange of information between member countries. Thanks to this alert mechanism, Interpol National Central Bureaus (NCBs) and other authorized agencies can disseminate information about individuals wanted for crimes, suspects in criminal activities, and other criminal matters.

Diffusion can be issued at the national level without prior coordination with the INTERPOL General Secretariat. This significantly speeds up the process of disseminating information, which is extremely important for cases requiring immediate intervention.

Diffusion can contain various pieces of information depending on the purpose of its release. For example, this could include data about wanted individuals, requests for arrest or extradition, and information about stolen items.

Interpol diffusion is used for various purposes, such as:

  1. Search for individuals: sharing information about suspects, accused persons, or missing individuals with other countries for their arrest or extradition.
  2. Crime prevention: Rapid data sharing that can help prevent crimes, especially acts of terrorism or organized crime.
  3. Cooperation in criminal investigations involves the sharing of information that can help solve crimes. This is done by exchanging evidence, testimonies, or other materials necessary for the investigation.

The conditions for the dissemination of diffusion are similar to the general conditions for entry into the Organization’s database. Notification of Interpol diffusion must be translated into at least one of the Organization’s official languages.

Individuals who have become the subject of Interpol’s diffusion must fully understand the seriousness of the legal consequences, including arrest or extradition. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek advice from experienced Interpol lawyers as early as possible, who can professionally assess the legality of the diffusion and, if necessary, challenge such a decision.

Both the Red Notice and Interpol’s diffusion are used to determine the whereabouts of a person of interest, as well as to assist in investigations by local law enforcement agencies.

A Red Notice is the most formal and well-known type of alert issued by Interpol. It’s based on a judicial or prosecutorial decision, usually involving an arrest warrant. A Red Notice serves as an official request to detain someone with the aim of extraditing them, and it carries significant weight in international law. Before issuing a Red Notice, there’s a process to ensure it meets Interpol’s rules and standards.

Diffusion can be spread without such verification. However, its reach is limited to one or a few countries. Meaning, not all Interpol member countries will have access to such a notification. Therefore, it’s possible to visit certain countries without the risk of arrest or extradition. But you can never be entirely sure which countries are safe.

Diffusion, unlike a red notice, is a less formal tool. It can be issued directly by national Interpol bureaus or other authorized bodies. Diffusion is used for more rapid information exchange and doesn’t require adherence to all the formal procedures necessary for a red notice. This makes diffusion more flexible and quicker to implement.

How does Interpol’s Diffusion differ from Red Notice?

Can diffusion be removed?

Diffusions are not published on the official Interpol website. This marks another distinction between these types of notifications. Diffusions are sent only to specific countries, not to the entire network of Interpol member states. Therefore, to check for a diffusion, you need to follow this set of steps:

  • Legal support. Challenging an Interpol diffusion requires the involvement of qualified lawyers who have experience working with international organizations and specialize in international law. This significantly increases the chances of success in getting the diffusion removed.
  • Analyzing the legal basis. First and foremost, it’s necessary to identify the legal grounds for challenging diffusion. This may involve checking compliance with international human rights standards, identifying political motives, or detecting procedural violations.
  • Filing a complaint with the Interpol Files Control Commission. The CCF is an independent body within Interpol that reviews requests for the deletion or correction of information contained in its databases. A request to the CCF must be justified and accompanied by evidence supporting the claim of violation or illegitimacy of dissemination.

The process for removing an Interpol diffusion is similar to removing a red notice. First, you need to submit an application to the CCF Commission, which will assess whether the diffusion complies with the Organization’s rules. After that, the CCF will decide whether to remove or update the diffusion.

It’s crucial that any request to remove diffusion complies with the requirements set by the Interpol File Control Commission. First off, the application must be submitted in one of the Organization’s official languages (English, Arabic, French, or Spanish). Make sure your request includes a precise statement of the facts concerning the complaint, as well as any legal acts that have been violated. You can also attach any documents that support your request. Supplement your request with an indictment, expected sentence, and references to any active arrest warrant or court decision of equivalent standing. Another question that needs to be considered is the consequences of obtaining an Interpol diffusion. Success in getting an Interpol diffusion removed largely depends on having qualified legal support. 

Lawyers who specialize in Interpol matters can help develop a defense strategy, prepare the necessary documents, and also represent your interests before the CCF. Our law firm has extensive experience in handling such issues and is ready to provide you with all the support you need in this process. If you’re facing an Interpol diffusion issue, reach out to us to protect your rights and achieve justice.

Dr. Anatoliy Yarovyi
Senior Partner