In a significant step forward in global financial crime enforcement, the UK has secured the publication of its first-ever INTERPOL Silver Notice against a convicted fraudster. This development signals the growing use of innovative international tools to trace and recover illicit assets — particularly those hidden overseas and linked to cryptocurrency transactions. In this blog, we explore the circumstances behind this case, the role of the Silver Notice, and its broader implications for asset recovery and cross-border cooperation.
Back in August 2024, we wrote an article describing what an INTERPOL Silver Notice is:
In January 2025, we wrote a further article stating that INTERPOL had published its first-ever Silver Notice:
It has now been reported that the UK has secured the publication of its first Silver Notice against a fraudster.
In this article, we will explore the background circumstances of this case and discuss the kind of assistance the UK’s first INTERPOL Silver Notice may provide.
Reminder – what is an INTERPOL Silver Notice?
As we have previously explained, an INTERPOL Silver Notice is a means to “track the offenders, terrorist financers and others who are using virtual currencies like bitcoin to move and store illicit funds, out of the reach of law enforcement and other authorities”.
What are the circumstances of the UK’s first INTERPOL Silver Notice?
INTERPOL Silver Notices can be issued to assist, trace and recover assets which constitute the proceeds of crime and are located abroad. As such, the background circumstances of the UK authorities issuing their first INTERPOL Silver Notice is an individual convicted of orchestrating a large-scale fraud and associated offences of money laundering.
Given that some of the assets are thought to be abroad, the UK authorities have used the INTERPOL Silver Notice to try and locate assets thought to be abroad.
As explained by an officer familiar with the case: “The Silver Notice is the latest tool we are using to help identify any further assets held. We know he has strong links abroad, particularly around Europe, and the Notice will help us liaise with partner agencies and identify any further assets that can, in turn, be use to repay his victims”.
In an earlier blog, we explored how exactly the INTERPOL Silver Notice may enable this:
Could Silver Notices be unjustly issued?
Like most notices, it is possible for Silver Notices to be issued unjustly. If a Silver Notice is issued inappropriately, it could have a significant impact on the individual’s property and livelihood.
As always, 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, 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 fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. That advice tackles:
- How to best approach a possible INTERPOL notice;
- Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
- Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
- 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 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 video or about your specific circumstances, do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
Updated: 15 April 2025
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.
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