What is an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?

04 Jul 2024, 59 mins ago

The INTERPOL Red Notice receives a lot of publicity, both good and bad. However, this is not the only notice that INTERPOL can issue.

The INTERPOL Red Notice, while itself not an arrest warrant, is an invaluable tool in assisting jurisdictions across the world to locate, detain and return individuals suspected to be involved in criminal activity.

However, it is not without criticism. As we discussed in a previous blog, the theme at INTERPOL’s General Assembly in Vienna last year, attended by more than a thousand police and law enforcement officers, has been ensuring that the correct checks are in place to prevent the misuse of the INTERPOL Red Notice.

Beyond the Red Notice, there is are other notices that can be issued by INTERPOL, one of which is the INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice, which works as a law enforcement tool, combining the UN sanctions regime with INTERPOL’s renown notice system.

What is the purpose of an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?

The principal function of an INTERPOL United Nations Security Council Special Notice (the “Special Notice”) is to alert national law enforcement agencies that sanctions measures – namely an assets freeze, travel ban and/or arms embargo – apply to designated individuals and entities.

When and why was the INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice issued?

The Special Notice was introduced in 2005, following individual resolutions adopted by INTERPOL and the United Nations that called for greater cooperation between the two organizations.

Who would normally receive an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?

The Special Notice is usually issued to individuals and entities that are subject to sanctions imposed by the UNSC.

What does an INTERPOL- United Nations Security Council Special Notice contain?

Special Notices contain information that identifies the individual or entity and explains the relevant sanctions; this assists law enforcement officers to take appropriate action in accordance with their national laws.

Who issues INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notices?

The Special Notices are issued by INTERPOL and the UNSC.

Can an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice be challenged?

Although Special Notices are useful tools to promote international law enforcement and collaboration, the notices may potentially be misused by member countries for political purposes and/or may contain inaccurate information. It is advisable to seek expert legal advice to understand the nature of an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice. Legal experts can also advise if challenging INTERPOL is appropriate. This is particularly relevant if an individual who receives a Special Notice believes that it has been issued unfairly or infringes on their rights. Legal expertise is required to understand INTERPOL’s Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD) and INTERPOL’s Constitution that underpin such notices.

How Gherson can help

Those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Purple or a Special 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 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, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, or send us an e-mail. Don’t forget to follow us on XFacebookInstagram, 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 2024