The CCF (Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files) has completed its first session of the year, wherein its members considered the requests for removal of Red Notices, and likely other notices and diffusions, that were submitted by both attorneys and individuals.

The CCF normally meets over a two-day period three times per year.  During each session, the Commission members are charged with considering and deciding upon the various applications for relief that are pending before them.  A common question posed by Red Notice subjects is how long the CCF’s response will take.  Of course, the answer is that it depends on several factors.

In my experience, the Commission responds fairly quickly to simple requests.  For example, if a Red Notice has become moot because the subject turned himself into local authorities for prosecution, or if he was acquitted of the underlying charges, the Commission can easily verify this information, and a response time of one to two months is a reasonable expectation.

If a request for relief requires the Commission to contact a member country’s National Central Bureau (NCB) to obtain other information, and the NCB does not respond immediately, the CCF’s response will take more time.

Additionally, where the Commission needs additional time to consider a case, it may also be set over to the following session for a decision, which means that the matter will not be decided for at least another four months.

It is not uncommon for the CCF to send a letter updating the subject as to the status of the case, or to advise that the case will be taken under advisement at a specific session.  

With regards to final decisions, attorneys and Red Notice subjects can reasonably expect to begin receiving responses from the January session any time between now and two months from now.

As always, comments and thoughts are welcomed.