INTERPOL Update: India’s Directorate of Enforcement secures publication of first INTERPOL Purple Notice

In June 2024, as part of a series about the multitude of notices that can be issued by INTERPOL, we published an article titled What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?

It has now been reported that the Indian Directorate of Enforcement has caused INTERPOL to publish its first INTERPOL Purple Notice.

Indeed, last month we detailed how INTERPOL had collaborated with Indian enforcement agencies to enhance international cooperation.

Tracking INTERPOL’s broader collaboration, we have previously discussed how INTERPOL had worked together with Indian enforcement to enhance international cooperation, with African law enforcement to disrupt criminal activity  using the Silver Notice, with Chinese enforcement to enhance international cooperation, and reported that cybercrime is now rising in two-thirds of African countries.

The fruits of these collaborations are now becoming apparent, with India reportedly issuing more notices via INTERPOL than ever; we recently reported how India CBI’s use of INTERPOL Red Notices has increased since 2023.

What are the circumstances of India’s first Purple Notice?

India’s Directorate of Enforcement published its first INTERPOL Purple Notice following the unearthing a unique modus operandi of the nature of trade-based money laundering.

More specifically, an organised network of domestic and foreign shell entities were laundering funds under the pretence of international trade.  The fraud was characterised by under-invoiced imports, claiming sham-duty free imports, forged compliance documents and executing circular re-exports.

By publishing India’s first Purple Notice, the authorities are hoping to emphasise India’s growing leadership in international financial intelligence.

What is the purpose of a Purple Notice?

The INTERPOL Purple Notice either requests or provides information about criminals’ methods of operation, objects, gadgets, and hiding tactics. Purple Notices are not arrest warrants.

In short, a Purple Notice is normally issued by INTERPOL when it believes that the person in question is involved in criminal activity, but there is not enough evidence to issue a Red Notice.

Who can issue a Purple Notice?

Purple Notices are issued by INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organisation).

Who do Purple Notices usually refer to?

Purple Notices often refer to criminal groups or organised gangs.

What crimes do Purple Notices usually refer to?

Cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organised crime may be included in a Purple Notice.

Who normally requests Purple Notices to be issued?

This can be at a request of any INTERPOL member country.

Who is able to access a Purple Notice?

INTERPOL publishes Purple Notices on its website for all member countries to access. However, if you are subject to an INTERPOL Purple Notice or want to check whether a Purple Notice has been issued, you can contact INTERPOL to inquire about any information they may have on file about you. It is recommended that legal expertise is sought before you engage in communication with INTERPOL.

How Gherson can help

Those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red, Blue, Orange, Green or a Purple 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 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 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 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 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 2025