The Interpol notifications are fundamental tools within international police cooperation. Issued by the General Secretariat of Interpol, these alerts allow member countries to share critical information about wanted persons, threats, stolen objects, or illegal activities. But it is also true that, in certain contexts, they can be misused or affect fundamental rights.
This article explains the different types of Interpol notifications, their legal function, and the role played by Interpol lawyers in defending individuals unfairly affected.
What is an Interpol Notification?
An Interpol notification is an international alert requested by a member country and distributed to the police authorities of the 195 countries that make up the organization. Its objective is to facilitate the location, detention, surveillance, or information about people or assets.
There are several types of notifications, each represented by a color and with a specific purpose. Among them, the most well-known is the red notice, but it is not the only one. Below, we explain the main ones.
Types of Interpol Notifications
Interpol uses a system of color-coded notices to facilitate cooperation between countries in the fight against international crime. Each type of notice serves a specific function, depending on the nature of the case, the level of urgency, and the type of information shared.
These notifications not only apply to people wanted for serious crimes but also to stolen objects, security threats, missing persons, or unidentified bodies. Understanding the difference between the various types of alerts is essential to know how to act if oneself or a loved one is affected by one of these alerts.
Red Notice
The red notice requests the provisional detention of a person for extradition purposes. It is issued at the request of a country that has issued a national arrest warrant. Although it does not equate to an international arrest warrant, many countries treat it as such, which can result in arrests at borders, visa cancellations, or freezing of bank accounts.
Blue Notification
It is used to obtain information about the identity or whereabouts of a person. It does not imply a request for detention.
Green Notification
Warns about individuals who have committed crimes and may pose a threat to public safety in other countries.
Yellow Notification
It is used to locate missing persons, especially minors or people with mental health issues.
Black Notification
It refers to unidentified bodies.
Orange Notification
Report on events, objects, or people that represent an imminent danger, such as explosive packages or terrorist threats.
Purple Notification
It is used to share information about criminal methods, such as drug concealment techniques or document forgery.
Special Notification of the UN
Issued against individuals and entities sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.
Consequences of Receiving a Notification
The impact of an Interpol notification can be immediate and severe. Individuals included in these alerts may be detained at airports, have their movements restricted, face extradition proceedings, or suffer reputational damage. Even when the notification lacks a solid legal basis, its mere existence can have devastating effects on the personal and professional life of the individual.
How do Interpol lawyers help?
Faced with these situations, having the support of specialized lawyers is crucial. The Interpol lawyers The INTERPOL-STOP team has extensive experience in defending individuals affected by unfair or misused notices.
Alt: Abogados de Interpol
“Nuestro equipo legal de Abogados de Interpol, liderado por expertos como Carlos Méndez, María del Río e Isabel Herrera, se especializa en presentar recursos ante la Comisión para el Control de los Ficheros de Interpol (CCF)”
They analyze the legality of the notice, identify violations of Interpol’s Constitution, and present evidence of political motivations, procedural errors, or human rights violations.
Common Reasons to Challenge a Notification
A notification can be challenged if:
- It is political or is used as a tool of persecution.
- It is based on civil matters or private disputes, not criminal ones.
- The person has already obtained political asylum.
- Basic procedural guarantees have been violated.
- There is no valid arrest warrant in the requesting country.
In many cases, our lawyers also collaborate with local defenders, embassies, international organizations, and human rights experts to ensure comprehensive defense.
Conclusion
Interpol notifications are important mechanisms for police cooperation, but their misuse can cause irreversible harm. Understanding their functioning, types, and legal limitations is essential for those facing one of these alerts.
If you or someone close to you has been affected by an Interpol notification, do not wait for an arrest or extradition process to occur. Contact our Interpol lawyers for immediate legal advice and to begin the defense process.
