INTERPOL – Kuwait partnership expands: key compliance risks for companies in the Middle East

Kuwait’s recent high-level visit to INTERPOL marks a significant moment for international law enforcement cooperation across the Middle East. As INTERPOL’s regional partnerships expand, individuals with unresolved legal, financial or commercial disputes in the region could face an increased risk of investigation or enforcement action.

We have previously written about how developments in enhanced information and evidence sharing between the Middle East and other jurisdictions (including the UK) would undoubtably lead to increased scrutiny and wider law enforcement ability to investigate and prosecute both individuals and corporates alleged to be involved in illicit financial activities, in, or through, the Middle East.

In addition, we have previously detailed how enhanced information sharing could lead to UK prosecuting agencies obtaining evidence from the Middle East more easily, as well as how the UAE had signed an extradition treaty with Ireland. We have also discussed how the UAE has announced amendments to its laws on anti-money laundering (“AML”) and the financing of terrorism.

A recent visit to INTERPOL from the Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Kuwait serves to showcase the strength of police cooperation between INTERPOL and the Kuwaiti authorities, and renews focus in the Middle East on issues of international law enforcement and financial crime.

Visit to INTERPOL

On 10 October 2025, it was reported that the Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Youssef Saud Al-Sabah, met with INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi and INTERPOL General Secretary Valdecy Urquiza at INTERPOL’s headquarters in Lyon.

Mr Al-Raisi said:

“We are honoured to welcome the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of the Kuwait to INTERPOL, a clear symbol of the importance His Excellency places on law enforcement and global police cooperation. As we move towards a new Regional Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa I look forward to building on that strong partnership between the State of Kuwait and INTERPOL to improve security in the region and globally”.

His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Youssef Saud Al-Sabah said:

“It is a great pleasure to visit INTERPOL and meet with its President, Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, its Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, and the distinguished officials of the Organization. On behalf of Kuwait’s leadership and government, I express our deep appreciation for the efforts of INTERPOL in promoting international cooperation to confront global security challenges.

I reaffirm Kuwait’s pride in being part of this vital Organization, a cornerstone of international security and justice. We remain committed to continuing our cooperation and partnership to enhance peace, justice, and protection of lives and property worldwide”.

Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:

“The State of Kuwait is an important partner for INTERPOL in building security across the Middle East and globally. Our discussions on the future of policing, on terrorism and emerging crime all serve to further strengthen our cooperation and the State of Kuwait’s support for the work of INTERPOL”.

What does this mean? A further warning for those with outstanding issues in the Middle East

This development serves as another significant warning to individuals and corporations with outstanding legal issues in the Middle East.

As such, 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 remain vigilant. Any financial dealings are now likely to come under much greater scrutiny than previously anticipated.

How Gherson can help

Gherson have extensive experience in providing legal assistance to corporates and individuals who may have, or suspect they may have, outstanding issues in the Middle East.

We have previously written several articles addressing specific concerns in the region, including:

• Ireland Signs Extradition Treaty With the UAE
• Interpol Enhances Transnational Financial Crime-fighting Capabilities – Individuals and Corporates Beware
• Gherson LLP secures INTERPOL Red Notice deletion

INTERPOL measures

In addition, those who suspect 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.

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who believe they may have outstanding financial issues which may involve INTERPOL. This 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 may suspect that they may 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 have over 36 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. We have unparalleled expertise in managing asylum and extradition requests in tandem. 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.

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