INTERPOL Green Notice: what it means and how it can be challenged

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Whilst Red Notices are often the most widely recognised, they are only one part of INTERPOL’s international notice system. An INTERPOL Green Notice serves a different purpose: rather than requesting the arrest of an individual, it is used to alert law enforcement agencies around the world about someone who may pose a risk to public safety or who is believed to be likely to commit further criminal offences.

Although a Green Notice is not an international arrest warrant, it can still have important practical consequences. Depending on the circumstances, it may influence international law enforcement cooperation, border screening, travel, and an individual’s professional or personal reputation.

Understanding why a Green Notice has been issued, what information it contains and whether it complies with INTERPOL’s legal framework is essential when considering whether it may be challenged.

In this guide, we explain how INTERPOL Green Notices work, whom they apply to, how they differ from other INTERPOL Notices and the options that may be available if you believe a Green Notice has been issued unlawfully or unfairly.

INTERPOL Green Notice at a glance

Expert insight from Thomas Cattee

“Many people assume that only INTERPOL Red Notices have practical consequences. Whilst a Green Notice does not seek an individual’s arrest, it can still have significant implications for international travel, law enforcement cooperation and reputation. Understanding whether a notice complies with INTERPOL’s rules is often the first step in determining whether it can be challenged.”

Thomas Cattee, Partner and Head of White-Collar Crime, Gherson

What is an INTERPOL Green Notice?

An INTERPOL Green Notice is a type of international alert issued through INTERPOL’s notice system to share information about an individual who is considered likely to commit criminal offences or who may pose a threat to public safety.

Unlike an INTERPOL Red Notice, which seeks the location and provisional arrest of a wanted person for the purposes of extradition, a Green Notice is intended to assist law enforcement authorities by sharing intelligence about individuals whose previous conduct may present an ongoing risk.

Green Notices enable police and other authorised agencies across INTERPOL’s member countries to exchange information that may assist in preventing future criminal activity and improving international cooperation.

The publication of a Green Notice does not establish criminal liability or determine guilt. Rather, it forms part of INTERPOL’s broader system for facilitating cross-border information-sharing between national law enforcement authorities.

Why are INTERPOL Green Notices issued?

A Green Notice may be requested when a member country wishes to warn other law enforcement agencies about an individual whose previous criminal conduct or behaviour is considered relevant to public safety.

Examples may include circumstances where a person has previously committed offences that demonstrate a pattern of behaviour likely to be repeated in another country.

The purpose of a Green Notice is preventative rather than punitive. By sharing relevant information internationally, INTERPOL seeks to assist its member countries in identifying potential risks and improving cross-border cooperation.

As with all INTERPOL Notices, any request should comply with INTERPOL’s Constitution and the Organisation’s Rules on the Processing of Data, including the requirements relating to accuracy, necessity and proportionality.

How does a Green Notice differ from a Red Notice?

Although both Green and Red Notices are issued through INTERPOL, they serve very different purposes.

Understanding this distinction is important. Whilst a Green Notice is generally less restrictive than a Red Notice, it may still have significant practical consequences for the individual concerned.

Can an INTERPOL Green Notice affect international travel?

Although a Green Notice does not require an individual’s arrest, it can still affect international travel.

Depending on the circumstances, immigration authorities and border agencies may become aware of the notice during routine checks or through international law enforcement cooperation. This may result in additional questioning, increased scrutiny or requests for further information when entering or leaving certain countries.

The practical impact of a Green Notice will vary depending on the policies of the country involved, the information contained within the notice and the purpose for which it has been issued.

For individuals who travel frequently for business or personal reasons, understanding the existence and scope of an INTERPOL Green Notice can therefore be particularly important.

Can an INTERPOL Green Notice be challenged?

Yes. In certain circumstances, it may be possible to challenge an INTERPOL Green Notice or request its deletion.

Each case will depend on its individual facts. However, a challenge may be appropriate where there are concerns that the notice does not comply with INTERPOL’s legal framework or where the information held is inaccurate, excessive, outdated or otherwise inconsistent with INTERPOL’s Rules on the Processing of Data.

Applications relating to INTERPOL data are generally considered by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF), which is responsible for reviewing requests concerning access to, correction of and deletion of data processed through INTERPOL’s systems.

Preparing a successful application often requires careful analysis of the underlying legal and factual issues, together with supporting evidence demonstrating why the notice should be reviewed.

Understanding your options

An INTERPOL Green Notice is an important international law enforcement tool, but it is not an arrest warrant and does not determine an individual’s guilt or innocence. Its purpose is to enable member countries to share information about individuals who may pose a risk to public safety, helping to strengthen international police cooperation and crime prevention.

However, despite its preventative nature, a Green Notice can still have significant practical implications. Depending on the circumstances, it may affect international travel, increase scrutiny at border crossings and have wider reputational consequences for the individual concerned.

Where there are concerns that a Green Notice has been issued unlawfully, contains inaccurate information or no longer complies with INTERPOL’s legal framework, it may be possible to seek a review through the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF).

Understanding your legal position and obtaining specialist advice at an early stage can be an important first step in protecting your rights and addressing the long-term impact of an INTERPOL Notice.

How Gherson can help

Gherson has extensive experience advising individuals, businesses and legal professionals on complex INTERPOL matters, including Red Notices, Green Notices and applications before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF).

Our White-Collar Crime team regularly advises clients on the legal implications of INTERPOL Notices, assesses whether notices comply with INTERPOL’s Constitution and Rules on the Processing of Data, and assists with applications seeking the correction or deletion of information where appropriate.

Whether you have recently become aware of an INTERPOL Green Notice or require advice on your legal options, our experienced team can provide tailored guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an INTERPOL Green Notice?

An INTERPOL Green Notice is an international alert used to share information about an individual who is considered likely to commit further criminal offences or who may pose a potential risk to public safety. It enables law enforcement agencies in INTERPOL’s member countries to exchange information to support crime prevention and international cooperation.

Is an INTERPOL Green Notice an international arrest warrant?

No. A Green Notice is not an arrest warrant and does not request the arrest of an individual. Unlike an INTERPOL Red Notice, its purpose is to share information rather than seek provisional arrest for extradition.

What is the difference between a Green Notice and a Red Notice?

A Green Notice is primarily a preventative information-sharing tool that alerts law enforcement agencies about an individual who may present an ongoing risk. A Red Notice, by contrast, requests the location and provisional arrest of a wanted person pending extradition or similar legal proceedings.

Can an INTERPOL Green Notice affect international travel?

Potentially, yes. Although a Green Notice does not automatically prevent someone from travelling, it may lead to increased scrutiny by border authorities, additional questioning or closer cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different countries.

Can an INTERPOL Green Notice be challenged?

Yes. In certain circumstances, it may be possible to challenge an INTERPOL Green Notice or request its deletion where there are concerns that it does not comply with INTERPOL’s Constitution or Rules on the Processing of Data.

Who reviews challenges to INTERPOL Green Notices?

Applications concerning INTERPOL data are generally considered by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). The CCF is responsible for reviewing requests relating to access, correction and deletion of information held within INTERPOL’s systems.

How long does an INTERPOL Green Notice remain in place?

The length of time a Green Notice remains active depends on the circumstances of the case and INTERPOL’s internal procedures. In some cases, notices may be reviewed, updated or deleted where they no longer satisfy INTERPOL’s legal requirements.

Does a Green Notice mean someone has been convicted of a crime?

Not necessarily. A Green Notice is intended to share information relevant to public safety and does not determine criminal liability or establish that an individual has been convicted of an offence.

Can a solicitor help remove an INTERPOL Green Notice?

Yes. Solicitors with experience in INTERPOL matters can assess whether a Green Notice complies with INTERPOL’s legal framework, advise on the available options and assist with applications to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files where appropriate.

What should I do if I believe I am the subject of an INTERPOL Green Notice?

If you believe you may be the subject of an INTERPOL Green Notice, it is advisable to seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible. A legal adviser can help establish whether INTERPOL holds information relating to you, assess the potential impact of the notice and advise on whether there are grounds to challenge or request its deletion.

If you have any questions arising from this article or require advice on a UWO, POCA investigation or related financial crime matter, please do not hesitate to contact us for specialist legal advice or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, 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.

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