INTERPOL South America report: new agreement focuses on fighting transnational crime in South America

We have previously written extensively about INTERPOL’s developments and initiatives aimed at enhancing its transnational financial crime-fighting capabilities, both at domestic and international levels.

We have also summarised INTERPOL’s activities, including those taking place across China and Africa.

In our more recent articles, we discussed the latest developments, such as the recent meeting in Singapore, and took another look at the INTERPOL Silver Notice. Going forwards, we noted how INTERPOL is expanding its presence in Singapore to monitor the situation amid a surge in cybercrime in that region.

In our most recent article, we examined a renewed and focused commitment to cooperation between China and Morocco.

We now turn our focus to a region we haven’t examined before, namely – South America.

What is the latest update in relation to South America?

It has recently been reported that INTERPOL and Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security have signed a landmark agreement to significantly strengthen the fight against transnational crime in South America.

The agreement will see the formation of a specialised Task Force based at INTERPOL’s Regional Bureau in Buenos Aires.

Bringing together law enforcement and public security experts from across South America, the Task Force will focus on:

• mapping, monitoring and analysing drug trafficking routes and related criminal activities in cross-border areas and the Amazon region;
• identifying and arresting high-value criminal targets;
• dismantling illicit financial structures;
• identifying, tracing and recovering illicit assets; and
• coordinating joint operations targeting transnational criminal organisations.

What does this mean? A further warning for those with outstanding issues across South America

This development serves as a significant warning to individuals and corporations with outstanding legal issues in South America.

As such, both individuals and corporates who have conducted business in South America 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 South America.

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 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.

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