INTERPOL UPDATE – how can an INTERPOL Purple Notice assist in an international crypto-fraud investigation?

As cryptocurrency fraud, cyber-enabled financial crime and international digital asset investigations continue to rise, INTERPOL is increasingly using Purple Notices to help law enforcement agencies identify and respond to emerging criminal methodologies.

Unlike Red Notices, which focus on locating wanted individuals, INTERPOL Purple Notices are designed to share intelligence about criminal tactics, technologies and methods of operation across multiple jurisdictions.

In the context of crypto-fraud investigations, this can include information about:

• cryptocurrency wallet scams;
• phishing infrastructure;
• cyber-enabled fraud techniques;
• stablecoin exploitation;
• digital asset laundering methods; and
• cross-border organised criminal activity.

The increasing use of Purple Notices reflects the growing international focus on cybercrime cooperation, digital asset tracing and coordinated financial crime enforcement.

In this article, we examine what an INTERPOL Purple Notice is, how it may be used in crypto-fraud investigations, and why these developments matter for individuals, businesses and crypto market participants operating internationally.

What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?

An INTERPOL Purple Notice is used to request or share information with law enforcement around the world about criminal methods of operation, devices, concealment techniques or emerging criminal practices.

In terms of numbers, 25 Purple Notices have been published in 2026, and there are currently a total of 820 Purple Notices still active in the system.

How can an INTERPOL Purple Notice assist in a crypto-fraud investigation?

We have recently been tracking INTERPOL’s Operation HAECHI, which targeted seven types of cyber-enabled frauds.

The increased opportunities provided by new technologies have been accompanied by an increase in opportunities to de-fraud (i.e. a new criminal modus operandi).

As part of Operation HAECHI V, INTERPOL issued a Purple Notice to warn countries about an emerging cryptocurrency fraud practice involving a stable coin. Countries were thereby alerted to the “USDT Token Approval Scam”, which permitted fraudsters to access and control victims’ cryptocurrency wallets.

In this scenario, the INTERPOL Purple Notice provided law enforcement with more details about the scam, demonstrating how Purple Notices can act as an early-warning system for international law enforcement agencies responding to rapidly evolving cyber threats.

As INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:

“The effects of cyber-enabled crime can be devastating – people losing their life savings, businesses crippled, and trust in digital and financial systems undermined.
The borderless nature of cybercrime means international police cooperation is essential, and the success of this operation supported by INTERPOL shows what results can be achieved when countries work together. It’s only through united efforts that we can make the real and digital worlds safer”.

Why are INTERPOL Purple Notices becoming more important in international cybercrime investigations?

Cybercrime and cryptocurrency fraud are inherently cross-border in nature. Fraudsters may operate infrastructure in one jurisdiction, target victims in another and move digital assets through multiple countries within minutes.

As a result, international investigations increasingly depend on rapid intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies.

INTERPOL Purple Notices help facilitate this by allowing countries to distribute information about emerging fraud typologies, criminal technologies, digital laundering techniques, cyber-enabled organised crime and evolving methods used to exploit cryptocurrency systems.

From a legal and regulatory perspective, this increasing cooperation may also lead to:

• greater international information-sharing;
• parallel investigations across jurisdictions;
• increased asset tracing activity;
• coordinated enforcement action; and
• increased scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions and digital asset movements.

What does Gherson think about the use of Purple Notices?

The increasing use of INTERPOL Purple Notices demonstrates how international law enforcement agencies are adapting to the speed and complexity of cyber-enabled financial crime.

Unlike traditional criminal investigations, crypto-fraud investigations often develop rapidly across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously, particularly where digital assets, international exchanges, online infrastructure and cross-border payment systems are involved.

In practice, individuals and businesses may become aware of an investigation only at a relatively late stage, particularly where intelligence-sharing mechanisms, such as Purple Notices, are already in circulation between authorities.

From our experience advising on INTERPOL-related matters, cybercrime investigations and international financial crime issues, early legal advice can be critical where there are concerns regarding:

• international enforcement exposure;
• cryptocurrency investigations;
• asset tracing measures;
• parallel criminal or civil proceedings; or
• INTERPOL-related requests or alerts.

As international cooperation in cybercrime investigations continues to increase, businesses operating internationally, particularly those exposed to digital assets or cross-border financial flows, should remain aware of the evolving enforcement landscape.

INTERPOL Purple Notices – Frequently Asked Questions

Can an INTERPOL Purple Notice lead to an arrest?

No. A Purple Notice is not an arrest warrant. It is an intelligence-sharing tool used by law enforcement agencies to exchange information about criminal methods, technologies or operational techniques.

Can a Purple Notice relate to cryptocurrency fraud?

Yes. INTERPOL may use Purple Notices to share intelligence regarding emerging cryptocurrency fraud methodologies, cyber-enabled scams and digital asset laundering techniques.

What is the difference between an INTERPOL Red Notice and Purple Notice?

An INTERPOL Red Notice is generally used to seek the location and provisional arrest of a wanted individual. A Purple Notice is used to share intelligence regarding criminal methods of operation or technologies.

Can a business be affected by an INTERPOL crypto investigation?

Potentially, yes. International crypto investigations may involve exchanges, intermediaries, financial institutions, service providers or businesses connected to cross-border financial transactions.

Can INTERPOL notices be challenged?

Depending on the circumstances, certain INTERPOL measures may potentially be challenged, including where there are concerns regarding misuse, political motivation, procedural fairness or data accuracy.

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 37 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