In a significant move aimed at combating organised crime in Africa, law enforcement and financial crime experts have met in Africa to take part in various workshops. Some of these workshops are aimed to assist with promoting and implementing the INTERPOL Silver Notice and Diffusion and to combat the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain to launder funds.

We have previously written extensively about INTERPOL’s developments and initiatives to enhance its transnational financial crime-fighting capabilities, both at the domestic and international levels.

We have written about INTERPOL’s collaboration with Indian enforcement authorities and also, on a separate occasion, with the relevant authorities in China in order to enhance international cooperation.  

Using INTERPOL’s full range of capabilities to combat crime in Africa

It is reported that the workshops in Africa will include exploring how to leverage INTERPOL’s full range of capabilities to conduct financial investigations and disrupt criminal economies.

Specific sessions will focus on combatting the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in laundering illicit funds and also utilising the INTERPOL Silver Notice and Diffusion.

Can INTERPOL be used for allegations involving crypto?

We have been tracking INTERPOL’s efforts and initiatives aimed at assisting with allegations involving crypto. These include the use of INTERPOL Red Notices to find (and potentially extradite) those accused of allegations involving crypto.

What is the INTERPOL Silver Notice?

We have been following the increasing use of the INTERPOL Silver Notice. In August 2024, we wrote an article about the INTERPOL Silver Notice, describing it in detail.

In January 2025, we wrote a further article noting the occasion of the first-ever Silver Notice being published by INTERPOL. In April 2025, we wrote another article about the first Silver Notice providing more details.

What does this mean?

With regards to investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced information sharing (particularly to or from Africa), and potentially gaining easier access to evidence from a broader scope, may ultimately result in charges against those who are based in the UK, extradition requests being issued against those based abroad, or INTERPOL Red Notices more readily leading to extradition proceedings being initiated. 

Therefore, if you have had any business dealings and are worried about liability, if you have unresolved financial matters, including outstanding civil disputes, and you fear that you may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red Notice, expert legal advice should be sought immediately.

How Gherson can help

Those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Purple, Special (INTERPOL – United Nations Security Council) or Yellow Notice, should take heed.

Indeed, Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. That advice tackles:   

1. How to best approach a possible INTERPOL notice;
2. Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
3. Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
4. Even exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who fear they might be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red Notice):

• What is an INTERPOL Yellow Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Green Notice and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Orange Notice and can it be challenged?
• What is the purpose of an INTERPOL Blue Notice, and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Blue Notice?
• INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
• How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice
• INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
• How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice.

Gherson has over 30 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this blog or about your specific circumstances,  do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

Updated: 16 May 2025

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2025

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