One of the primary concerns of most Red Notice subjects is obviously having their names removed from INTERPOL’s wanted list. As that process takes time, it often happens that we also request our clients’ data be blocked in INTERPOL’s databases so that their information is inaccessible while their cases are being studied.

When the CCF’s initial review of a removal request generates a sufficient level of concern that a case may involve violations of its rules, the CCF will block the data (whether it is a Red Notice or diffusion) during the time that it is studying the case. Sometimes the CCF notifies the subject that the data has been blocked, and sometimes it does not acknowledge the blocking until after the case has been resolved.

It has been my experience that blocking frequently precedes removal, but not always.

For example, this week, we received a decision on a client’s request for removal from INTERPOL’s databases. The case  involved multiple member countries, including the U.A.E., and the CCF had blocked the client’s data fairly immediately upon receiving our removal request. Naturally, we were cautiously optomistic that the final decision would continue along the path that the case appeared to be moving. Many months later and after an exhaustive study, the CCF ultimately determined that the case was improper for INTERPOL’s involvement and did remove the Red Notices against my client.

In my experience, in a majority of cases wherein the CCF blocks data initially, a removal decision follows. However, blocking is not a guarantee of removal. When the CCF does block data, it also normally advises the subject that the final decision of the case may result in either a removal of data or allowing the data to remain in place.

As always, thoughts and comments are welcomed.