The various colour notices of INTERPOL

Introduction

The system of notices issued by INTERPOL is one of the most significant tools in modern cross-border policing. Although commonly associated with the well-known Red Notice, the organisation maintains a sophisticated framework of colour-coded alerts designed to facilitate global cooperation in criminal investigations, asset tracing and intelligence sharing.

Gherson Solicitors have written extensively about the functioning of the notice system, the risks posed by notices issued unfairly and the practical consequences for individuals and businesses facing international investigations. Our commentary has highlighted that notices can affect liberty, reputation, property, travel freedom, immigration status and commercial relationships.

This article summarises Gherson’s publicly available insights into the various colour notices used by INTERPOL, their purposes and their implications.

The purpose of INTERPOL notices

INTERPOL notices are international alerts circulated via member states’ National Central Bureaus. They enable law enforcement authorities to share information rapidly and coordinate investigations across borders.

Gherson emphasises that notices are not arrest warrants in themselves. Instead, they are requests for cooperation or alerts. Whether any enforcement action is taken depends on domestic law in each member state.

Nevertheless, notices can have profound real-world consequences, including:

• Arrest at borders;
• Freezing or tracing of assets;
• Immigration consequences;
• Restrictions on travel;
• Reputational damage; and/or
• Commercial difficulties.

Because of these risks, Gherson consistently stresses the importance of early legal advice where a notice is suspected or confirmed.

We shall now examine the different notices in more detail:

The Red Notice

Function

The Red Notice is the most widely known INTERPOL alert. It is issued to request that law enforcement authorities locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar proceedings.

It is often used as a precursor to formal extradition requests and may be circulated before extradition proceedings commence.

Legal status

A key point made repeatedly in Gherson’s commentary is that a Red Notice:

• Does not compel arrest;
• Has no automatic legal effect; and
• Depends on national law.

However, in practice, many countries treat a Red Notice as a strong basis for detention.

Grounds for challenge

Gherson’s articles identify several potential grounds for contesting a Red Notice:

• The offence is not a serious ordinary-law crime;
• Insufficient evidence or detail;
• Human rights concerns; and
• Political or civil dispute misuse.

These issues frequently arise where commercial disputes, political conflicts or cross-border business disagreements are framed as criminal allegations.

The Blue Notice

Purpose

Blue Notices are used to gather additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.

Although less intrusive than Red Notices, they can still have practical effects, such as:

• Increased travel scrutiny;
• Monitoring by law enforcement;
• Reputational concerns; and
• Increased investigative attention.

Gherson’s broader commentary on INTERPOL procedures highlights that individuals may not even know they are subject to such notices, as some alerts are not public.

The Yellow Notice

Yellow Notices are typically used to help locate missing persons or identify individuals unable to identify themselves.

They are frequently applied in cases involving:

• Missing children;
• Vulnerable persons;
• Human trafficking investigations; or
• Disaster victim identification.

Although generally humanitarian in purpose, they still involve the circulation of personal data internationally, which can have legal implications.

The Green Notice

Green Notices are issued to warn other countries about individuals considered likely to commit criminal offences, particularly repeat offenders or those posing security risks.

Gherson’s discussions of the wider notice system highlight the preventative role of such alerts and their potential consequences, including increased surveillance and travel restrictions.

The Orange Notice

Orange Notices warn of serious and immediate threats to public safety.

They may concern:

• Dangerous individuals;
• Explosive devices;
• Weapons concealment methods; or
• Emerging crime techniques.

These notices function as rapid intelligence alerts rather than arrest requests.

The Purple Notice

Purple Notices are used to share information about criminal methods, objects or concealment techniques.

They play an important role in emerging financial and cybercrime investigations. Gherson’s commentary on cryptocurrency enforcement highlights that Purple Notices have been used to warn states about new digital fraud schemes targeting crypto wallets.

This demonstrates how the notice system is evolving alongside technological crime.

The Silver Notice (a recent development)

One of the most significant recent developments in INTERPOL’s framework is the introduction of the Silver Notice.

Purpose

Silver Notices are used to trace and recover assets linked to criminal activity, including property, vehicles, businesses and financial holdings.

They are particularly relevant in:

• Fraud investigations;
• Corruption cases;
• Organised crime; and
• Cryptocurrency asset tracing.

Rapid growth in use

Gherson’s tracking of this notice’s rollout indicates that within months of its introduction, numerous Silver Notices had been issued worldwide and substantial assets identified across various jurisdictions.

The UK has already deployed this notice to pursue assets located abroad in fraud cases, illustrating its practical enforcement significance.

Risks and challenges

As with other notices, Gherson emphasises that Silver Notices can be issued unjustly and wrongfully and may significantly affect individuals’ livelihoods and property interests.

This raises important procedural and human rights considerations.

The INTERPOL–UN Special Notice

This notice is issued jointly with the United Nations Security Council and targets individuals or entities subject to UN sanctions.

It is particularly relevant in cases involving:

• Terrorism financing;
• Sanctions breaches; and
• International security threats.

The Special Notice therefore sits at the intersection of criminal law and international sanctions regimes.

Diffusions vs notices

Gherson’s broader commentary also highlights the distinction between notices and “diffusions”.

A diffusion is a request circulated directly between member states, often faster and sometimes less scrutinised than formal notices.

Although technically separate, diffusions can have similar real-world consequences.

Why notices matter more than ever

Gherson’s commentary suggests three major trends shaping the future of INTERPOL’s notice system.

1. Financial enforcement expansion
The introduction of the Silver Notice demonstrates a shift towards asset recovery and financial investigations, particularly those involving cross-border money flows and cryptoassets.

2. Digital crime and intelligence sharing
Purple Notices and specialised cyber operations show increasing use of INTERPOL in online fraud, hacking and cryptocurrency cases.

3. Human rights scrutiny
The firm’s work on blocking INTERPOL notices, including those issued at the request of foreign states, underscores ongoing concerns regarding:

• Political misuse;
• Due process deficiencies; and
• Fair trial risks.

These issues remain central to ongoing debates about INTERPOL reform.

Practical consequences for individuals and businesses

Gherson consistently emphasises that the impact of notices can be immediate and severe.

They may affect:

• Immigration applications;
• Bank accounts;
• Corporate governance;
• Travel plans;
• Extradition exposure; and
• Business relationships.

Because notices are not always publicly visible, individuals often discover their existence only during visa applications, employment vetting or border screening.

Legal strategy and early intervention

A recurring theme in Gherson’s commentary is the importance of early, coordinated legal action.

This may involve:

• Challenging the validity of a notice;
• Addressing extradition risks;
• Engaging lawyers in the requesting state;
• Preparing human rights submissions; and
• Managing reputational risk.

A strategic response must often integrate immigration, criminal defence and international law expertise simultaneously.

Conclusion

The colour-coded notice system used by INTERPOL is far more complex than the public perception of Red Notices alone.

From intelligence sharing to asset tracing and cybercrime alerts, each notice type plays a distinct role in global policing. Gherson’s publicly available analysis shows that the system is evolving rapidly, particularly in financial enforcement and digital crime investigations.

However, the same tools that enable international cooperation can also create significant risks for individuals and businesses. Understanding how each notice operates – and how it may be challenged – is therefore essential in an increasingly interconnected legal landscape.

How Gherson can help

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 may 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

View all news & Insights