Latest news with #INTERPOL
New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- New Indian Express
CBI brings back fugitive Moideenabba Ummer Beary from UAE in fake currency case
NEW DELHI: In a significant breakthrough after over a decade, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully facilitated the return of Moideenabba Ummer Beary, who was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a high-profile fake currency case, from the United Arab Emirates, officials said on Friday. Beary landed in Mumbai on Friday as a deportee, they said, adding that the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the CBI, in close coordination with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi, ensured his return through INTERPOL channels. 'Beary had been on the run for over a decade and was the subject of a Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of the NIA since December 2013. The NIA had registered a case against him at its Kochi branch for allegedly procuring high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Dubai and smuggling them into India via Sharjah, with the consignment ultimately reaching Bengaluru,' a senior CBI official said. The NIA, in its charge sheet in connection with the case, has accused him of counterfeiting Indian currency, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. The CBI had been tracking Beary's movements and successfully geo-located him in the UAE with assistance from INTERPOL's global network, the officials said, adding that following his arrest in the UAE, a formal extradition request was processed through the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. Red Notices, circulated globally by INTERPOL, play a critical role in locating and apprehending fugitives. The CBI, as India's designated INTERPOL liaison (NCB-India), has been instrumental in returning over 100 wanted individuals to India in recent years through its dedicated platform, BHARATPOL.
Gulf Insider
15 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
UAE Arrests Wanted Former Interpol Official on Fraud Charges
The UAE has arrested a former Interpol official wanted on suspicion of forgery, bribery and fraud charges. The Ministry of Interior in the UAE announced the arrest of Vitalie Pîrlog, a Moldovan national wanted in connection with a cross-border corruption case. Pîrlog, who had been the subject of an active Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of French authorities, was apprehended on Sunday, 15th June 2025. Previously, Pîrlog held the position of Chairman of the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF). He now faces multiple charges, including forgery, bribery, facilitating bribery, and fraud. The arrest is part of a sustained and strategic collaboration with international law enforcement bodies, and regional and global organisations, reaffirming the UAE's steadfast commitment to the security and stability of the international community. In a statement, French officials praised the Ministry of Interior's professionalism and resolve, emphasising that such coordinated operations highlight the vital importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime. Also read: UAE Airline Flight Suspensions: Flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates Travel Update
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
UAE announces arrest of ex-Interpol official over global corruption case
The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of Vitalie Pîrlog, a Moldovan national, wanted in a major international corruption case. Pîrlog was arrested on June 15 following an active Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of the French authorities. He is the former chairperson of the Interpol Commission for the Control of Files (CCF), and faces charges including forgery, offering and mediating bribes and fraud. French authorities have praised the UAE's professionalism and swift action, calling it a strong example of effective global coordination in maintaining international security. Ministry of Interior announces arrest of fugitive Vitalie Pîrlog over cross-border corruption case #WamNews — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) June 19, 2025
Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Captured by the Colour: Five Fugitives Caught Through INTERPOL Red Notices
VANCOUVER – When a person becomes the target of an INTERPOL Red Notice, their name, photo, and alleged crimes circulate across 194 countries in seconds. Though not an arrest warrant, the Red Notice remains one of the most potent tools in international law enforcement. It can prevent travel, freeze bank accounts, alert border authorities, and in many cases, lead to arrest and extradition. Despite criticisms of political abuse and human rights violations, Red Notices have also been instrumental in tracking and capturing high-profile fugitives, including white-collar criminals, corrupt officials, terrorists, and alleged war criminals. In this press release, Amicus International Consulting explores five real-world cases where Red Notices were effectively used to capture fugitives—and how these examples expose both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the system. What Is a Red Notice and Why Does It Matter Issued at the request of a member country, a Red Notice is a request circulated by INTERPOL to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted individual pending extradition. It is not a binding international warrant, but many countries treat it as sufficient grounds for arrest, primarily if a bilateral or multilateral extradition treaty exists. While INTERPOL itself has no enforcement power, the visibility and reach of a Red Notice create serious consequences, including: Detention during international travel Asset freezing by global banks Immigration issues and residency denials Loss of access to global business or employment Red Notices can result in immediate arrest or prolonged detention, even before a formal trial has commenced. Case Study 1: Jho Low – The 1MDB Scandal Architect Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, known globally as Jho Low, is perhaps one of the most infamous economic fugitives of the last decade. He is the alleged mastermind behind the 1MDB financial scandal, in which over $4.5 billion was embezzled from Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund and laundered through global banks, real estate deals, and high-profile parties. Malaysia and Singapore both issued warrants for his arrest in 2016. INTERPOL subsequently circulated a Red Notice. Low evaded capture for years, reportedly living in China, Hong Kong, and the Middle East. Despite the Red Notice, his exact whereabouts remain unknown, raising questions about the limitations of the system when political interests override cooperation and transparency. However, the Red Notice had real effects: Banks closed accounts linked to him or his shell companies. His travel options narrowed significantly. Diplomatic efforts escalated between Malaysia and foreign governments. Though not yet captured, Jho Low's Red Notice played a crucial role in limiting his financial and physical mobility. Case Study 2: Félicien Kabuga – Rwandan Genocide Financier In one of INTERPOL's longest-running manhunts, Félicien Kabuga, a Rwandan businessman accused of financing and inciting genocide, was captured in 2020 in a suburb of Paris after 26 years on the run. Kabuga allegedly used his fortune to fund the Hutu militias that massacred over 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu in 1994. A Red Notice was issued by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), later continued under the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. What worked in this case? Decades of intelligence sharing between European states. Use of biometric data to match Kabuga's aliases. Surveillance of family members led investigators to his location. His arrest and extradition to The Hague marked a significant victory for international justice, and INTERPOL's Red Notice played a crucial role in maintaining global pressure and ensuring data visibility. Case Study 3: Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen – An Abduction Gone International In a rare case blending Red Notices with domestic mystery, Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen, the wife of one of Norway's wealthiest men, disappeared in 2018. What initially appeared to be a kidnapping for ransom eventually evolved into a murder investigation with international implications. When suspicions fell on people outside of Norway, INTERPOL issued Red Notices to track down foreign accomplices. Multiple Red Notices were reportedly circulated across Europe, including countries where crypto wallets connected to the ransom demands had been accessed. Although the case remains partially unresolved, INTERPOL's involvement helped uncover complex cross-border digital transactions and track suspects through international cooperation, which only Red Notices could facilitate. Case Study 4: Carlos Ghosn – From Extradition to Escape While not a capture, the story of Carlos Ghosn, former chairman of Nissan and Renault, underscores the power—and the limits—of a Red Notice. After his arrest in Japan for alleged financial misconduct, Ghosn fled to Lebanon in a dramatic escape concealed inside an audio equipment box. INTERPOL issued a Red Notice at Japan's request. However, Lebanon has no extradition treaty with Japan, and does not extradite its citizens (Ghosn holds Lebanese citizenship). Although Ghosn was never recaptured, the Red Notice: Severely restricted his ability to travel. Forced him to remain in Lebanon indefinitely. Created a diplomatic rift between Tokyo and Beirut. This case shows that even when a Red Notice cannot lead to arrest, it can confine a fugitive within political or geographic boundaries for years. Case Study 5: Luka Bojić – Serbian Crime Boss Captured in Greece In 2021, INTERPOL issued a Red Notice for Luka Bojić, a high-ranking figure in the Balkan drug cartel responsible for smuggling cocaine across Europe. Greek authorities detained Bojić in Thessaloniki after the Red Notice triggered a routine passport database scan at the airport. He was held for over a year as Serbia filed an extradition request, ultimately leading to his transfer back for trial. This case illustrates the effectiveness of Red Notices when coordinated with border enforcement systems and regional judicial cooperation. Red Notice Success Rate and Impact According to INTERPOL, more than 10,000 Red Notices are issued annually. While most never make headlines, they contribute to thousands of arrests globally, particularly in regions where border controls and digital systems are linked to INTERPOL databases. Red Notices have successfully aided in: Combating human trafficking and child exploitation rings Apprehending white-collar criminals in tax havens Tracking fugitives involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity Capturing terrorism suspects on global watchlists However, Red Notices are only as strong as the political and judicial cooperation behind them. Countries that choose not to honour extradition requests can render notices symbolic. Furthermore, politically motivated notices can erode trust in the system and hinder genuine enforcement. Amicus Commentary: Legal Tools with Geopolitical Consequences 'INTERPOL Red Notices function at the intersection of law and diplomacy,' said a spokesperson for Amicus International Consulting. 'They can be powerful instruments of justice or subtle weapons of repression.' Amicus assists individuals facing unjust Red Notices and supports governments and organizations with compliance, defence strategies, and cross-border legal coordination. Whether used to track real fugitives or as political instruments, Red Notices require meticulous legal interpretation and proactive strategy. Legal Analysis: When Red Notices Work—and When They Don't Success often depends on: Strength of local extradition law Political neutrality of the originating charges Diplomatic cooperation between NCBs (National Central Bureaus) Biometric and travel database integration Existence of a valid arrest warrant in the issuing country When these conditions align, capture and extradition can proceed smoothly. When they don't, the Red Notice may linger in digital limbo—visible, intimidating, but legally inert. Red Notices in the Private Sector: Beyond Law Enforcement Private sector entities—especially banks, airlines, and visa-processing agencies—use Red Notices as compliance triggers. A published or even internal Red Notice can result in: KYC/AML flagging by financial institutions Corporate travel bans Rejection of immigration or asylum applications Reputational damage in mergers and acquisitions Amicus advises companies with global mobility teams, compliance departments, and risk officers on how to navigate employee or client issues related to INTERPOL notices. Red Notice Deletion and Defence: The Legal Lifeline When a Red Notice is believed to be politically motivated or erroneous, individuals may petition INTERPOL's Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF). Amicus has successfully assisted dozens of clients in navigating this complex and legally opaque process. The CCF will consider appeals based on: Lack of due process in the home country Political, religious, or ethnic targeting Evidence of asylum or protected status Conflict with existing international protections The appeal process may take 6 to 12 months, during which individuals remain at risk of arrest unless precautionary measures are taken—a core service Amicus provides. The Road Ahead: Reform, Transparency, and Technological Checks As INTERPOL modernizes its Red Notice protocols, reform advocates call for: Greater transparency on notice issuance and removals Stronger pre-publication review of politically sensitive cases of politically sensitive cases Real-time integration with refugee databases Mandatory legal oversight by host countries before arrest These steps are crucial to ensure that Red Notices maintain their legitimacy as instruments of justice, not instruments of geopolitical coercion. 📞 Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Twitter/X 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Exonerated but Still Wanted: Red Notices That Outlive Legal Cases
VANCOUVER – You win your case. The charges are dropped. A judge clears your name. But months—or even years—later, you find yourself arrested at a border, denied a visa, or blocked by a bank. Why? Because a Red Notice issued by INTERPOL continues to circulate globally, even after the legal grounds for it no longer exist. In a justice system increasingly dependent on digital alerts and automated databases, exoneration doesn't always mean freedom. Amicus International Consulting investigates how outdated or unresolved INTERPOL Red Notices continue to punish the legally innocent, raising urgent questions about due process, data synchronization, and international cooperation. When Innocence Isn't Enough A Red Notice, once issued, can outlive the legal case it was based on. Although it is meant to be temporary—pending extradition or resolution—INTERPOL notices are often not automatically removed even when: Charges are dropped A court rules in favour of the accused A statute of limitations expires A conviction is overturned on appeal This creates a legal phantom: a person who is no longer wanted by law, but still flagged globally as a fugitive. Case Study 1: British Banker Cleared, But Detained in Dubai In 2022, a British national previously accused of fraud in Southeast Asia was acquitted after evidence emerged that a business rival had fabricated the case. Despite the dismissal, he was arrested at Dubai International Airport during a layover, due to a Red Notice that had never been withdrawn. Although the arresting country had no jurisdiction and the extradition request was void, he was held for four days, missed a major business summit, and suffered reputational damage when local media reported on the story. His legal team, working with Amicus, later succeeded in having the Red Notice deleted by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL Files (CCF). Still, the incident cost him professional contracts and exposed systemic failures in Red Notice management. Why Red Notices Outlast Legal Proceedings There are several reasons why Red Notices persist even after exoneration: Member States Must Notify INTERPOL INTERPOL does not actively monitor ongoing court cases. It relies on the issuing country to voluntarily request removal. Some countries delay or intentionally fail to update INTERPOL on dropped charges. INTERPOL's Bureaucratic Lag Even when removal is requested, data purging can take months . . The General Secretariat in Lyon handles the process and requires a formal internal review. Data Duplication in Third-Party Systems Many private firms (banks, airlines, visa services) mirror INTERPOL databases . . These may not update in real time—or at all—even when a Red Notice is deleted. Legal Limbo: The Digital Consequences Even after being cleared in court, an individual listed in INTERPOL's system may: Be detained at international borders Lose banking relationships due to KYC/AML compliance Have visa applications rejected or delayed Be barred from working in regulated industries Suffer reputational loss, especially if their Red Notice was publicly visible The human and economic cost of this 'residual criminality' can be devastating. Case Study 2: Journalist Exonerated, Still Flagged in Europe In 2021, a Middle Eastern journalist exiled in Europe won asylum and later had criminal defamation charges against her dismissed by the Supreme Court of her home country. Yet a Red Notice remained active, and she was detained during travel to Switzerland for a media conference. Authorities initially resisted her release, citing INTERPOL's alert. Only after Amicus submitted a dossier with court records and asylum documentation was she allowed to continue her journey. It took another seven months for the CCF to delete the outdated notice. Who Is Responsible for Removal? The responsibility to remove a Red Notice lies with: The Issuing Country : They must notify INTERPOL of legal developments. : They must notify INTERPOL of legal developments. The INTERPOL General Secretariat : Must process removals efficiently. : Must process removals efficiently. The CCF May act independently if a formal complaint is filed. May act independently if a formal complaint is filed. The Subject or their legal team must often initiate contact to push for deletion. This fragmented process creates a bottleneck, especially when legal representation is absent or under-resourced. The CCF: The Last Hope for the Wrongfully Listed The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF) is the only body authorized to review and delete Red Notices. Its process is confidential, written, and can take 6–12 months. Grounds for deletion include: Case dismissal or acquittal Violation of due process in the origin country Political or discriminatory motive Expiry of the statute of limitations Contradiction with asylum or refugee status While the CCF plays a vital role, its slow pace and limited enforcement power often mean that individuals remain trapped in legal uncertainty. Case Study 3: Businesswoman Exonerated in U.S., Flagged Abroad A dual citizen of the U.S. and West Africa was exonerated in a high-profile corporate embezzlement case in 2020. A federal court found the charges unfounded and politically retaliatory. However, INTERPOL had already issued a Red Notice. Although the U.S. courts cleared her, she was denied entry to Canada, where the Red Notice still appeared in immigration systems. It took Amicus and a Canadian legal team three months to coordinate with authorities and have her travel clearance reinstated. The Red Notice was eventually deleted, but her ability to operate in global finance remained impaired. Amicus Intervention: Legal Strategy Against Old Alerts Amicus International Consulting works with clients whose legal cases are resolved but whose Red Notices remain active. Our services include: Petitioning the CCF for deletion Requesting post-resolution updates from issuing countries Coordinating with immigration and banking compliance units Advising on travel and visa risks during review periods Reputation and media management for high-profile individuals 'Red Notices don't die just because the case does,' said a legal advisor at Amicus. 'You need to bury them legally—or they'll bury your freedom.' Private Sector Fallout: When Banks, Airlines, and Visa Services Don't Get the Memo Even after a Red Notice is deleted, the ripple effects continue: Banks may keep compliance flags for years , fearing future liability. , fearing future liability. Airlines may block bookings from blocked names via API-PNR systems. from blocked names via API-PNR systems. Visa systems, such as ESTA, ETIAS, and eTA, may automatically reject applicants with past INTERPOL flags. may automatically reject applicants with past INTERPOL flags. Background check companies may cite old or archived Red Notices. Amicus offers digital hygiene audits and private-sector erasure campaigns to mitigate ongoing risk. Case Study 4: Interpol Notice Deleted, But Identity Still Tainted In 2023, Amicus represented a Balkan IT executive who had a Red Notice removed after being cleared of charges in Croatia. Yet, his LinkedIn, banking apps, and even air ticketing profiles continued to reject verification due to cached data from third-party vendors. A year-long campaign of legal requests and GDPR filings finally removed the last traces of the outdated notice, but not before he lost clients and had to close his consultancy firm. Policy Recommendations: Preventing Post-Exoneration Injustice To prevent future harm, Amicus and human rights partners advocate for: Automatic removal protocols triggered by issuing countries upon exoneration triggered by issuing countries upon exoneration Real-time data syncing between INTERPOL and third-party users between INTERPOL and third-party users Mandatory Red Notice expiration after legal closure, unless extended by judicial order Red Notice review board with faster appeal windows for cleared individuals Global standard for data privacy and reputation restoration Until then, legal vigilance remains the only defence against a system that exceeds its mandate. Case Study 5: Politician Cleared, Still Blocked from Travel A former Central Asian diplomat, acquitted of corruption charges by an international court in 2021, continued to face travel restrictions in the EU and Asia-Pacific because his Red Notice had not been removed. Despite repeated requests, the issuing country refused to notify INTERPOL. Amicus filed an independent appeal with the CCF, resulting in the deletion nearly a year later. The gap between legal reality and INTERPOL's records had cost him three years of international engagement and stalled the humanitarian work he led. 📞 Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Twitter/X 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram TIME BUSINESS NEWS
