INTERPOL launches global operation against fraud

21 Jul 2022, 04 mins ago

INTERPOL has recently launched a worldwide crackdown on social engineering fraud.

This has resulted in hundreds of individuals arrested and millions seized. This operation demonstrates how INTERPOL could play an increased part in these types of operations going forwards.

Coordinated INTERPOL response to global fraud

The reach of this INTERPOL-coordinated investigation is impressive, INTERPOL boasts that:

  • Almost two thousand locations have been raided worldwide;
  • Three thousand suspects have been identified;
  • Two thousand arrests have been made;
  • Four thousand bank accounts have been frozen; and
  • Over 50 million worth of illicit funds have been intercepted. 

The operation has also enabled INTERPOL to note some emerging trends, including how money is laundered through victims’ accounts, how social media accounts are being abused, an increase in fraud and a growth in cyber criminals posing as INTERPOL officials.

Of specific interest is that countries shared intelligence via INTERPOL’s secure global police communications network ahead of time, which provided data on suspects, suspicious bank accounts, unlawful transactions and communications, such as email and IP addresses.

INTERPOL concludes that “The international nature of these crimes can only be addressed by law enforcement working together beyond borders, which is why INTERPOL is critical to providing police the world over with a coordinated tactical response”.

Launch of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre

We have previously discussed the launch of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (“IFCACC”).  As has been previously discussed, this should result in much more sophisticated international information sharing.  This will surely make it easier for  INTERPOL member countries to investigate, locate, and potentially bring to justice through INTERPOL those alleged to have committed offences of financial crimes.

Indeed, it is reported that IFCACC has already intercepted millions of Euros and is providing assistance to law enforcement across the world.

Also of note is the recent launch of the Frontex INTERPOL Electronic Library Document System, which provides visual markers that can indicate a counterfeit of forged document.

What does this mean – enhanced police cooperation?

INTERPOL continues to identify and expand into areas for enhanced cooperation and thus extensively extend its reach and capabilities.

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 immediately sought.

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 TwitterFacebook, 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 don’t 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