INTERPOL ASIA UPDATE – INTERPOL works with Sri Lankan authorities to tackle allegations of illegal scamming

We have been providing regular updates with detailed accounts of INTERPOL’s developments and initiatives to enhance its transnational financial crime fighting capabilities, both at the domestic and international levels.

In our most recent articles, we have summarised INTERPOL’s activities across China and Africa, explored the outcomes of the latest meeting in Singapore and taken another look at the INTERPOL Silver Notice.

We have also noted how INTERPOL is expanding its presence in Singapore to counter a surge in cybercrime across that region.

In this article, we investigate the potential for cooperation between Sri Lankan authorities and INTERPOL.

What is the latest update from Sri Lanka?

It has been reported that Sri Lankan authorities have teamed up with INTERPOL to tackle alleged scamming activities by Chinese individuals who arrive on tourist visas.

Notably, Chinese authorities, on their part, have also been trying to strengthen law enforcement efforts against their nationals who are suspected of involvement in cross-border gambling and fraud. Reportedly, these response actions have been the focus of bilateral discussions between the presidents of Sri Lanka and China.

Most recently, having confirmed its involvement, INTERPOL has sent a team of representatives to Sri Lanka to take part in discussing collaborative efforts to tackle cross-border crimes such as gambling and fraud committed by Chinese nationals.

These mutual efforts have resulted in the arrest of 80 people, who were then handed over to the Chinese authorities. In addition, over 200 people have been allegedly deported for breaking the immigration law.

What is the INTERPOL Silver Notice?

We have recently provided an overview of a meeting between Asia-Pacific law enforcement experts focused on using INTERPOL Silver Notices to enhance asset recovery efforts accompanied by an explanation of the INTERPOL Silver Notice itself.

We  have noted that the use of the INTERPOL Silver Notice is on the rise and have written about recent collaboration efforts between INTERPOL and various countries, including Indian law enforcement authorities to enhance international cooperation and African law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal finances by way of the INTERPOL Silver Notice. In addition, we have commented on the inclusion of the INTERPOL Silver Notice in the agenda of the latest European Regional Conference and highlighted a case where the Silver Notice was used by City of London Police.

Since its inception in January 2025, the use of the Silver Notice has grown exponentially.

By the end of June 2025, INTERPOL reported over 50 published Silver Notices worldwide.

What does this mean?

With regards to investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced information sharing (particularly to or from Asia and Africa), and potentially 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 leading more readily to the initiation of extradition proceedings.

Therefore, if you have had any business dealings in these regions and are concerned about liability, or if you have unresolved financial matters, including even an outstanding civil dispute, and you suspect that you may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red Notice, you should seek expert legal advice immediately.

How Gherson can help

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

Gherson Solicitors regularly receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who suspect they may have outstanding financial issues which may engage INTERPOL. Our advice tackles:

1. How best to 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 suspect they might be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red Notice):

• What is INTERPOL’s Silver Notice?
• INTERPOL UPDATE – India charges 8 people in first Interpol Silver Notice Case
• 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 36 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 article 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.

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