The launch of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (“IFCACC”) should result in much more sophisticated international information sharing.
This will also make it easier for INTERPOL-member countries to investigate, locate, and potentially bring to justice through INTERPOL those alleged to have committed financial offences.
Those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red Notice, should take heed.
Enhanced information and evidence sharing
In December 2021, Gherson’s criminal litigation, investigations and regulatory team wrote a blog entitled “Individuals and corporates beware – Financial issues, international cooperation and the Middle East”. This blog described how enhanced information and evidence sharing could lead to increased scrutiny and wider law enforcement ability to investigate both individuals and corporates alleged to be conducting illicit financial activities.
Indeed, Gherson Solicitors continues to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. That advice tackles:
- How to best approach a possible INTERPOL red notice;
- Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
- Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
- Exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.
The previous blog concluded that both individuals and corporates who have conducted business 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.
Indeed, this scrutiny will certainly now be further enhanced due to the INTERPOL’s new department launch.
What has INTERPOL done to enhance capabilities?
Joined-up approach
Due to the potential for international money flows and cross-border offending, the investigation and prosecution of cases involving allegations of financial crime across multiple jurisdictions is hugely benefitted and assisted by a joined-up approach between the multiple agencies involved. In this regard, the IFCACC will work with the Financial Action Task Force, the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, law-enforcement agencies, police and the financial sector. This will certainly increase the capabilities of law-enforcement internationally to investigate and prosecute this type of complex offending.
What does this mean?
With regards to investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced information sharing, 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 more readily leading to extradition proceedings being initiated.
Therefore, if you have conducted business and are worried about liability, if you have unresolved financial matters, including even an outstanding civil dispute, 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
Gherson has 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 article or about your specific circumstances, please 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