INTERPOL Update – INTERPOL NCB heads meet to discuss global policing

The heads of INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (“NCBs”) have met in Lyon to discuss responses to some of the current threats.

Below we explore in more detail what an NCB is and discuss the meeting agenda.

What is an INTERPOL National Central Bureau?

An INTERPOL NCB is the liaison between each of the 196 member countries and INTERPOL.  Each INTERPOL member country has an NCB, which connects their national law enforcement agencies with those of other countries, as well as with INTERPOL, via the General Secretariat.  They interact by means of an established global police communication network, called I-24/7.

Therefore, the NCB’s work with law enforcement agencies in their own country, with other NCBs around the world and with the INTERPOL General Secretariat’s offices.

In practice, NCBs cooperate on cross-border investigations, operations and arrests.

What is on the agenda of the NCB meeting?

300 delegates from 148 countries explored potential responses to some of the most significant threats, including global scam centres, the converging of organised crime and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enabling criminal activity.

Panel sessions addressed the following:

• NCB quality standards compliance – maintaining operational excellence across the global network;
• NEXUS deployment – accelerating the adoption of INTERPOL’s secure case messaging system to enable real-time, cross-border operational coordination;
• I-Familia database – aligning national frameworks to support INTERPOL’s I-Familia database for missing persons ; and
• Female officer leadership development – supporting women’s careers and advancement within global law enforcement.

INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe stated as follows:

“INTERPOL exists to serve 25 million police officers worldwide. The strength of the network rests on the contribution of every member country.” 

“Every NCB that strengthens its practices, shares more and fully uses the tools at its disposal advances the entire Organization.”

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:

“In a global police network, a gap anywhere is a vulnerability everywhere. The strength of the network depends on the performance of every NCB.”

“When governments cannot find common ground, NCBs find a way to share information, coordinate investigations and get the job done.”

“Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary, and INTERPOL stands by their side, supporting their work, every day.”

How Gherson can help

Those who suspect that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red (or Blue) Notice and diffusion, should take heed.

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who believe they may have outstanding financial issues. That 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 may be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and 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?
• 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?

Gherson has over 38 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 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 2026