Is INTERPOL being used for transnational repression in the UK?

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has published a report on Transnational Repression in the UK, highlighting abuse of INTERPOL’s Red Notice system.

In July 2025, the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) published a report on transnational repression in the UK, in response to a growing number of reports of foreign governments persecuting individuals in the UK. The report primarily focuses on the abuse of the INTERPOL’s Red Notice system and notes that the UK currently lacks a clear strategy to address transnational repression. The report concludes with multiple recommendations, as set out below.

What did the JCHR recognise?

In essence, although JCHR has recognised that INTERPOL’s Notice and Diffusion mechanisms are vital tools for global safety, INTERPOL’ s mechanisms are being systematically exploited by authoritarian states as ‘transnational repression’ (TNR) tools, despite INTERPOL’s constitution prohibiting  politically motivated notices.

Additionally, ‘there is a significant lack of education [in the Civil Service] on how to ascertain whether a Red Notice is in fact genuine.’ Moreover, police officers often lack the training necessary to respond effectively to TNR, resulting in inconsistent and ineffective support for TNR victims.

What recommendations did the JCHR make?

The Committee has made multiple recommendations to the UK Government, which include, but are not limited to:

1. The UK Government should develop and implement a proactive outreach strategy aimed at individuals likely to be at a high risk of TNR.
2. The UK Government should work with the Five Eyes alliance and other partners to track and expose malicious, vexatious and politically motivated use of Red Notices by member states.
3. The UK Government should consider introducing a formal mechanism by which the Home Office or the National Crime Agency (NCA) may alert individuals of the existence of a Red Notice or Diffusion, where there is a strong basis to believe it has been politically motivated.
4. The Home Office should ensure that all relevant immigration staff are adequately trained and informed about the potential misuse of Red Notices.

How Gherson can help

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

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who suspect they may have outstanding financial issues which may engage INTERPOL. The advice we could provide in these circumstances includes:

1. How best to approach a possible INTERPOL notice?
2. How to prepare for potential criminal proceedings and/or an extradition request?
3. What can be done to prepare for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings?
4. Exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson Solicitors have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who have a reason to believe they may be subject to INTERPOL measures (including Red or Blue Notices):

• 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 article 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