An Interpol Red Notice is an international alert sent to police worldwide to help locate and arrest people wanted for serious crimes in another country. 

It acts as a global “wanted person” notice, making it harder for suspects to escape justice by crossing borders. 

Interpol Red Notices are powerful tools in international law enforcement and can have serious consequences for anyone named in one. 

Want to understand how it works, who can be affected, and what you should do if you’re involved? Read on for a clear, step-by-step guide.

Understanding Interpol and Its Role

Interpol is a key organization that helps police forces from different countries work together. Understanding what Interpol does is the first step to learning how Red Notices fit into the bigger picture.

What is Interpol?

Interpol stands for the International Criminal Police Organization. It is not a police force on its own, but it helps police from different countries work together to solve crimes that cross borders.

• Interpol connects police in 195 countries.
• It helps share information about crimes and suspects.
• It makes it easier to catch criminals who travel from one country to another.

How Does Interpol Help Countries Work Together?

Imagine a person commits a crime in one country and escapes to another. Without help, it would be hard for police to catch that person. Interpol acts like a bridge, letting police from different countries:

• Share clues and evidence quickly.
• Ask for help finding or arresting suspects.
• Work together to solve international crimes.

Is Interpol Part of the FBI or Any Police Force?

No, Interpol is not part of the FBI, the CIA, or any single country’s police force. It is an independent organization that helps different countries’ police agencies communicate and cooperate.

What is an Interpol Red Notice?

An Interpol Red Notice (in Chinese: 红色通缉令, hóngsè tōngjī lìng) is one of the most recognized tools used by Interpol to track and capture people wanted for serious crimes. Let’s look at what it actually is and how it works.

Definition of an Interpol Red Notice

An Interpol Red Notice is like a worldwide “wanted” alert. When someone is wanted for a serious crime and may have left their country, Interpol can send out a Red Notice to warn police everywhere.

• A Red Notice includes the person’s name, photo, and details about the crime.
• It is sent to police in all Interpol member countries.

How Does a Red Notice Work?

Here is how it happens:

• A country asks Interpol to issue a Red Notice for someone accused or convicted of a serious crime.
• Interpol reviews the request.
• If approved, Interpol shares the Red Notice with police across the globe.

Who Can Request a Red Notice?

Only official police or justice departments in Interpol’s member countries can ask for a Red Notice. Regular people or private companies cannot request one.

Why Are Interpol Red Notices Issued?

Interpol Red Notices are not issued for just any reason. They are used for serious criminal matters. This section explains when and why a country might ask for one.

Main Reasons for Issuing a Red Notice

Countries request Red Notices when they need help finding and arresting someone who is:

• Accused of a serious crime.
• Convicted of a crime and on the run.
• Suspected of escaping justice by crossing borders.

What Crimes Can Make You Wanted by Interpol?

Red Notices are usually for serious crimes, such as:

• Fraud
• Drug trafficking
• Theft
• Assault
• White-collar crimes

📖 For more on white-collar crimes and how they are handled in China, read: White Collar Crime in China.

Real-Life Examples of Red Notices

Some well-known cases involve:

• Business people accused of fraud.
• Individuals wanted for violent crimes.
• Suspects in international theft or smuggling cases.

How Does an Interpol Red Notice Affect a Person?

Being named in an Interpol Red Notice can change someone’s life in major ways. Here is what it means for the person involved and their loved ones.

What Happens if Someone is Listed on a Red Notice?

If your name is on a Red Notice:

• Police in many countries will be looking for you.
• You could be stopped at airports, borders, or during routine checks.
• You may be arrested and possibly sent back to the country that requested the notice.

Can You Travel with a Red Notice Against You?

Traveling becomes very risky if you have a Red Notice. Many countries will:

• Detain you at airports or borders.
• Check your name against international watchlists.
• Refuse your entry or arrest you on arrival.

Consequences for Individuals and Their Families

Having a Red Notice can cause:

• Difficulty finding work or traveling.
• Public embarrassment if your details are published.
• Stress and worry for you and your family.

📖 For more about your rights if you are accused of a crime in China, see: Rights of the Accused in China.

Interpol Red Notice vs. Other Interpol Notices

Interpol uses different types of notices for different situations. It is important to know how a Red Notice compares to other colors and what each one means.

What are the Different Types of Interpol Notices?

Interpol uses different colored notices for different purposes, including:

• Red Notice: To find and arrest people wanted for serious crimes.
• Blue Notice: To locate or identify someone of interest.
• Yellow Notice: To help find missing people, especially children.
• Green, Orange, Black, and Purple Notices: For other special alerts.

What is the Difference Between Red and Blue Notices?

• Red Notice: For arresting a person wanted for a crime.
• Blue Notice: For tracking down or identifying someone, not necessarily for arrest.

What Does a “Wanted Person” Mean in This Context?

A “wanted person” is someone police are actively searching for, usually because they are accused or convicted of a serious crime and have fled their country.

📖 To learn more about criminal law and definitions in China, check out: China Criminal Law.

How Long Does an Interpol Red Notice Last?

Red Notices are not permanent and can be removed or expire under certain conditions. Here is what you need to know about their duration and how they can be challenged.

Does a Red Notice Expire?

• Red Notices do not last forever.
• They can expire after a set period or be withdrawn by the country that requested them.
• New evidence or legal changes can also lead to removal.

Can a Red Notice Be Removed or Challenged?

Yes, you can challenge a Red Notice if you believe it is unfair or based on wrong information. Individuals can challenge a Red Notice by applying to Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF), which reviews such requests.

Steps to Remove or Appeal a Red Notice

• Contact a lawyer who understands international law.
• Gather evidence to support your case.
• Submit a formal request to Interpol for review.

📖 For more on criminal defense and legal help, see: Criminal Defense Lawyers in China.

Controversies and Misuse of Interpol Red Notices

While Red Notices are powerful, they have sometimes been misused or abused. This section explains how abuse can happen and what safeguards exist.

Have Red Notices Ever Been Abused?

Yes, sometimes countries have tried to use Red Notices for reasons other than catching real criminals, such as political disagreements or personal vendettas.

What Happens if a Country Misuses the System?

• Interpol reviews each request for fairness.
• If a Red Notice is found to be unfair or abusive, it can be removed.
• People who feel targeted unfairly can ask Interpol to review their case.

How Does Interpol Prevent Abuse?

Interpol has special rules and a review team to:

• Check every Red Notice request.
• Look for signs of political, racial, or religious bias.
• Refuse or remove notices that break the rules.

What Should You Do If You Are Listed on an Interpol Red Notice?

If you find yourself listed on a Red Notice, it is important to know your rights and the steps you can take. Here is what to do and who can help.

First Steps to Take

• Stay calm and avoid traveling.
• Contact a lawyer who knows about international law.
• Do not try to hide or flee, as it can make things worse.

Who Can Help You?

• Lawyers with experience in criminal defense and international cases.
• Human rights organizations, especially if you think the notice is unfair.

📖 For more about the criminal procedure process, read: Criminal Procedure in China.

Your Rights and How to Seek Help

• You have the right to challenge a Red Notice.
• Collect evidence and documents that support your innocence.
• Work with legal experts to submit your case to Interpol.

Conclusion

Interpol Red Notices are powerful tools that help countries cooperate in tracking down people wanted for serious crimes, making the world a safer place. 

However, being named in one can have serious consequences, so it is important to understand your rights and options. 

For more helpful guides about legal issues in China, visit China Legal. If you need legal advice or support regarding any legal issues in China, do not hesitate to contact Choi & Partners for expert assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interpol Red Notices

What happens if you get a Red Notice?

If you get a Red Notice, police in many countries will be looking for you. You might be stopped at borders or airports, and you could be arrested and sent back to the country that requested the notice.

What is the purpose of an Interpol notice?

The purpose of an Interpol notice is to help countries share information quickly and efficiently. Notices alert police to people or situations that need attention, such as missing persons or wanted criminals.

Is Interpol higher than FBI?

Interpol is not higher than the FBI. Interpol is an international organization that helps police from different countries work together, while the FBI is a national agency in the United States.

What crimes make you wanted by Interpol?

Serious crimes like fraud, drug trafficking, assault, and theft can make you wanted by Interpol. Sometimes, even white-collar crimes can lead to a Red Notice.