INTERPOL Update – can I be arrested following an INTERPOL Red Notice?

We are often asked if an individual can be arrested following an INTERPOL Red Notice.

It has recently transpired that, given the right circumstances, it is indeed possible to be arrested following an INTERPOL Red Notice, as demonstrated in a case of an individual alleged to have orchestrated a $2 million fraud scheme.

What happened?

It has been reported that a former Norwegian cruise line executive was arrested by INTERPOL agents in Buenos Aires.

There is reportedly an underlying indictment for eight counts of wire fraud and identify fraud.  The individual is currently awaiting extradition to the United States.

What is an INTERPOL Red Notice?

The INTERPOL Red Notice is a tool designed to assist jurisdictions across the world with locating, detaining and returning individuals suspected to be involved in criminal activity.

INTERPOL generally publishes Red Notices on a publicly available list, but there are instances where a state can request INTERPOL not to publish this information, which may result in individuals not being aware of a Red Notice issued in their name. In a previous article we have considered the dangers of being subject to a Red Notice, the steps that individuals may take to remove the Red Notice, and how Gherson can assist.

What are the consequences of a Red Notice?

A Red Notice can have wide-ranging effects, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Increased risk of arrest in any country that cooperates with INTERPOL;
• Initiation of extradition proceedings;
• Reputational damage to the individual and/or their business.

What are the chances of being arrested on an INTERPOL Red Notice?

Given that an INTERPOL Red Notice acts as a global alert for law enforcement to locate and potentially arrest a certain individual, a Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant.

Therefore, it does not guarantee that an arrest will follow. In fact, its legal effect very much depends on the country in which you are located or whose boarder you are crossing.

If you fear that you may be subject to an INTERPOL measure (including a diffusion or a Red Notice), you are strongly advised to seek legal advice before travelling.

For example, we have recently considered how being subject to an INTERPOL diffusion may affect international travel.

In addition, for background information, we recommend reading our articles, exploring some fundamental questions such as what INTERPOL is, and how to challenge an INTERPOL 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 are other INTERPOL Measures?

In our recent articles we have explored the whole range of other INTERPOL measures, including Interpol diffusions and INTERPOL’s various colour notices.

What is the risk of my extradition?

In another article we have considered the sorts of factors that determine the risk of you being extradited.

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 another jurisdiction.

INTERPOL measures

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.

We 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.

©Gherson 2026