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(This is the second of a two-part series by Michelle Estlund, principal at Estlund Law, in Miami, on the assistance that the multinational organization known as Interpol provides in combating financial crime, apprehending perpetrators and recovering stolen assets. Part I provides insight into the work of Interpol and the purpose of its multicolored Notices. Ms. Estlund, who devotes her unique practice to Interpol matters and criminal defense, represents persons who are subjects of Interpol Red Notices and advises attorneys on Interpol-related issues. Her blog is found at at www.rednoticelawjournal.com.)

Once, business leaders had little reason to think of Interpol. If a financial institution or person became the victim of a financial crime, the prosecution was typically handled domestically. If the suspect fled the country, extradition was difficult, cumbersome and often unsuccessful.

That is no longer true. As the world shrinks and travel increases, the role of Interpol in apprehending criminal suspects has grown dramatically. Interpol receives requests for assistance in apprehending persons accused of a variety of financial crimes, in addition to violent crimes, terrorism and human trafficking. Continue Reading Interpol’s help in financial crime cases can be crucial, but beware of places where notices go

(This is the first of a two-part series by Michelle Estlund, principal at Estlund Law, in Miami, on the assistance that the multinational organization known as Interpol provides in combating financial crime, apprehending perpetrators and recovering stolen assets. Part I provides insight into the work of Interpol and the purpose of its multicolored Notices. Part II, which will run in the next edition of ACFCS Financial Crime 360, will explain how the assistance of Interpol in financial crime cases may be obtained. Ms. Estlund, who devotes her unique practice to Interpol matters and criminal defense, represents persons who are subjects of Interpol Red Notices and advises attorneys on Interpol-related issues. Her blog is found at at www.rednoticelawjournal.com.)

Despite the considerable resources poured into fighting financial crime, there is no visible sign of abatement or even reduction. When a financial crime is discovered, the financial crime specialist usually shifts focus from prevention to apprehension and recovery.

Most financial crime victims believe that in order to recover their losses, cooperating with government investigators and prosecutors is the sole approach available. However, one resource that historically has been underutilized, which may yield surprisingly good results in criminal investigations and prosecutions, is Interpol, the international law enforcement information-sharing organization based in Lyon, France. While its use has grown significantly over the past few years, most people have no idea what it is, what it does or why they should care. Continue Reading Interpol’s colorful ‘notices’ are potent, obscure tools to combat financial crime