Meta Description: We will learn about Interpol and its crucial role in global security and law enforcement. Exploring the functioning of Red Corner Notices and their significance in apprehending international fugitives. Discover the challenges faced by Interpol, underscoring the need for international cooperation in combating global criminal activities.

Interpol Notice: Issues Red Notice for Fugitive Gangster Linked to Bambiha Syndicate and Khalistani Network

Looking at the Interpol notice such as Red is  to intensifying efforts to locate the criminal mastermind: 

• The gangster is said to have fled to the US from India on a fake passport, and the authorities were closing in on him.
• The gangster is said to be working for the Bambiha syndicate by handling illegal arms. 
  • He is said to be a weapons expert, having previous knowledge of dealing in arms.
  • By working with the Bambiha syndicate, the gangster is looking to take down the rival Lawrence Bishnoi network and establish dominance over US and Canada.
• Gangster in question also maintains close links with the Khalistani network, which is involved in anti-India activities.

What is Interpol? – Global Policing and Crime Coordination

Look at the origin of interpol which is based on global collaboration in combating crime and maintaining security: 

• Origin: Interpol was founded as International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) on 7 September 1923 during the five-day 1923 International Police Congress in Vienna, Austria.

• • The ICPC functioned until 1938, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria, effectively ending ICPC’s activities.
  • The ICPC was revived in 1949 and was granted consultative status by the United Nations. It was renamed International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
• International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) is an intergovernmental organization which is made up of 195 member countries.
• Headquarters: Headquarters of Interpol is located in Lyon, France, with a global complex for innovation in Singapore.
• Official Languages: Arabic, French, English and Spanish are the official languages of Interpol.
• Aim: Interpol notice aims to help police forces in all member countries to better coordinate their actions by allowing them to share and access data on crimes and criminals, and offers a range of technical and operational support.
• Mandate: Interpol notice has a broad mandate to cover cases involving terrorism, cyber crimes, child pornography, money laundering, intellectual property cases etc.
• Non-jurisdiction: Interpol notice acts as a neutral entity and does not involve itself in activities that are political, military, religious, or racial in nature. 
• In Charge of Activities: The Interpol general secretariat is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of the organization.
• Point of contact in Member Countries: A National Central Bureau (NCB) in each member country is the central point of contact for both the general secretariat and the other NCBs around the world. 
• Functions of Interpol:
  • Maintains criminal database: Interpol is responsible for managing 19 police databases with information on crimes and criminals, including names, fingerprints and stolen passports.
  • Assistance for countries: Interpol has the responsibility of providing investigative support such as forensics, analysis, and assistance in locating fugitives around the world.

Understanding Interpol Notice – A Red Corner Notice: Global Fugitive Alert System

Let’s Understand how Interpol’s Red Corner Notice acts as a global alert for fugitives, providing crucial information to law enforcement agencies: 

• A Red Corner Notice is issued by the Interpol to alert police forces across the world about internally wanted fugitives. Only the law enforcement agencies can access these notices.
  • Issuance of notice is possible only after a competent court has taken cognizance of a chargesheet against the fugitive.
• Aims of the Red Corner Notice: The notice acts as a request to all law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
• Information in the Notice: The notice will contain information such as names, dates of birth, nationality, physical attributes (colour of hair and eyes), as well as pictures and biometric data like fingerprints of the fugitives.
• Request of Countries: A request for issuing notice may be made by a member country for prosecution or to serve a sentence. 
  • The notice is not an international arrest warrant but only an international wanted persons’ notice.
  • The request can be made by a country where the alleged crime has been committed and not necessarily the fugitive’s home country.
• Powers of Interpol Notices: Interpol does not have the powers to force law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest the individual in question. 
  • Member countries have to decide on actions to be taken based on the nature of notice. The national law enforcement officers in a country are required to make arrests.
• Non-applicable Red Corner Notices: 
  • Offences related to controversial issues based on behavioral or cultural norms;
  • Offences regarding family/private matters;
  • Offences originating from a violation of laws or regulations of an administrative nature, unless it is suspected of being connected to organized crime.

Different Interpol Notices:

Key Significance of Interpol in Global Law Enforcement and Security

• Global Security: Interpol plays a major role in global security architecture by offering neutrality and inspiring trust in law enforcement agencies.
• Removal of Criminal Safe Haven: Interpol prevents use of a particular country as a safe haven for illegal activities in the world.
• Tackle Jurisdiction Issues: Operating inside another country will require elaborate permissions, which may become ineffective in investigation. Interpol will reduce the need for operating in another country.
• Police Cooperation: Interpol facilitates international police cooperation between certain countries even where diplomatic relations are not present.
• Technical Infrastructure for Information Sharing: Interpol is the only organization with the technical infrastructure to share police information globally. 

Challenges and Concerns Surrounding Interpol Notice  Functioning

• Long Drawn Procedure: The procedure for filing an appeal with Interpol is a long and complex one. This discourages international cooperation.
• Turning down Request Arbitrarily: In many cases, Interpol notices issued by a particular country are arbitrarily turned down, mostly due to political motivation.
• Corrupt Leadership: Many past presidents of Interpol have been accused and also arrested on charges of bribery and other associated crimes.
• Conflict of Interests: Interpol has been accused of conflict of interests for signing multimillion-dollar deals with such private sector bodies like pharmaceutical companies. 
• Lack of Transparency: There is also an accusation of lack of transparency in the functioning of the Interpol. 

Conclusion:

Interpol plays a major role in fulfilling the world’s security mandate and has to be given due support to punish the guilty, including countries which give safe haven to global criminal entities.