On August 9, I wrote about two fathers on different sides of INTERPOL Red Notices. One of the fathers was looking for his daughter, who allegedly had been taken illegally from the United States to the United Arab Emirates by her mother and maternal grandparents. The good news for that father is that his
INTERPOL's Tools and Practices
INTERPOL and Dowry Violation Charges
By Michelle Estlund on
A great example of INTERPOL’s adherence to its own rules is that of its refusal to assist in the extradition of persons accused of violating dowery law. INTERPOL’s rules require that a Red Notice be issued with an eye towards extradition. Extradition requires that a crime be recognized by both the country requesting extradition, and…
Un-ringing the Bell, Part 3: Can INTERPOL Force a National Central Bureau to Correct False Information?
In order for INTERPOL to publish a Red Notice, one of its 188 member countries must first request the Red Notice based upon certain criteria. This request is made by the member country’s National Central Bureau (NCB). Today’s post addresses the question of what can be done when an NCB submits erroneous or false information…
Un-ringing the Bell, Part 2: Damage Control with INTERPOL
In the last post, the focus was on the manner in which INTERPOL might publish erroneous information. While a Red Notice client is certainly interested in how such an error might have occurred, it is obviously even more important to know that it can be corrected- sometimes.
It may be intuitive to think that INTERPOL…
Un-ringing the Bell, Part 1: What Leads to INTERPOL Circulating Erroneous Information?
As some unfortunate souls have discovered, iNTERPOL sometimes publishes information that is simply wrong. Due to the “honor system” it uses to allow member countries to request Red Notices, there are instances where INTERPOL issues a Red Notice containing erroneous information, which can happen in one of several ways:
- The underlying charge is completely fabricated
…
INTERPOL’s Capacity for Improvement: An Encouraging Word
By Michelle Estlund on
Still on the topic of INTERPOL’s ability and need for improvement of its information processing methods and internal accountability, today’s post addresses INTERPOL’s own discussions of those issues.
While there are certainly many valid points to be made regarding the frustrating experience that many have while dealing with INTERPOL, there is also evidence that INTERPOL…
How INTERPOL Can Protect Itself from Abuse by Corrupt Member Countries
How could INTERPOL shield itself from being used as a political weapon against a corrupt country’s own people? In the last post, I referenced an article by CNN writer Libby Lewis entitled, “Are some countries abusing Interpol?” In the article, Lewis raises numerous questions, one of which is whether a more in-depth review process…
Blind Faith: INTERPOL’s Relationship with Its Member Countries
In a continuation of the issue of INTERPOL’s seemingly blind trust in the representations of its member countries, today’s post concerns the application process of member countries requesting Red Notices from INTERPOL. And this just in . . . an article by Libby Lewis, sponsored by the International Consortium for Investigative Journalists, wherein the…
Elaboration on the Innocent Red Notice Client
By Michelle Estlund on
Earlier this month, I wrote here about INTERPOL’s role and the fact that INTERPOL is not concerned with guilt or innocence. Instead, INTERPOL is concerned with assisting member countries with the return of fugitives to the proper authorities so that the rule of law may be carried out properly. This is still true, but a…
Who Has Access to INTERPOL’s Files?
By Michelle Estlund on
In the last post, I addressed the issue of ownership of INTERPOL’s files. A question that is at least as significant to attorneys with clients who have Red Notices issued against them is, who may access that information?
Wanted persons sometimes seek access to that information for a variety of reasons. Very often, they seek…