INTERPOL and Red Notice “abuse” in the Middle East

Qatar and Red Notice for unpaid loan and Individuals. Corporates Beware – financial Issues, International Cooperation and the Middle East.

Back in 2017, Gherson wrote a blog about abuse concerning INTERPOL and unfunded/bounced cheques.  This was followed by a further blog last year, after the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files had taken  the rare step of publishing one of its decisions on the issue.

The blog concluded that the publication of the above decision does not seem to have acted as a deterrent against those using INTERPOL to pursue individuals in similar circumstances.   However, the above decision at least gives hope to the fact that INTERPOL is appreciating how, in some circumstances, its use for such purposes is not compliant with its own rules.  The decision publication can hopefully also be seen as at least an acknowledgment of the need to make its decision-making in this regard more publically known.

However, reports seem to show that individuals are still facing difficulties arising from certain countries.

Qatar and Red Notice for unpaid loan

One such example is the case of British engineer Brian Glendinning.  It is reported that Mr Glendinning is being held in Iraq and is now facing extradition to Qatar.   According to the Guardian, the allegations are that he failed to repay a £20,000 bank loan taken out in 2018 when he was working in Qatar.

The Guardian reports that Mr Glendinning was arrested on an INTERPOL Red Notice on the 12 September 2022 at Baghdad Airport, and has been detained since that date.  The Guardian further reports that no extradition request has been filed yet, and that Mr Glendinning is at risk of a long period of detention. 

Indeed, some have accused Qatar of abusing the INTERPOL and Red Notice system.  This is especially pertinent in light of Qatar preparing to host the World Cup starting next month.

Individuals and Corporates Beware – financial Issues, International Cooperation and the Middle East

Back in December 2021, Gherson wrote a blog entitled “Individuals and Corporates Beware – financial Issues, International Cooperation and the Middle East”.  This concluded that both individuals and corporates who have conducted business in the Middle East and are worried about potential liability, perhaps even due to an outstanding civil dispute, would do well to now have one eye over their shoulder, for any financial dealings could now be put under much wider scrutiny than previously anticipated.

With regards to investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced cooperation and easier access to evidence from the Middle East may ultimately result in charges against those who are based in the UK, extradition requests being issued against those based in the Middle East (or elsewhere), or INTERPOL red notices more readily leading to extradition proceedings.”

How Gherson can help

Those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red 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 red 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 Red 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 video or about your specific circumstances,  do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

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 2022

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