What Is a Red Notice? INTERPOL Search Record and the Process of Removal

Definition of a Red Notice

A Red Notice is an international alert issued by INTERPOL (the International Criminal Police Organization).
It serves to inform member states about a person who is subject to an arrest warrant or a request for provisional detention.

A Red Notice is not an arrest warrant in itself. It is a request to member countries to provisionally arrest the person if located, pending extradition or further legal action.

Once a Red Notice is published, the individual concerned may face arrest at borders, airports, or security checkpoints in many countries.
Additionally, a Red Notice can have serious consequences for freedom of movement, visa applications, citizenship proceedings, and personal reputation.

For Which Crimes Is a Red Notice Issued?

INTERPOL issues Red Notices only for serious criminal offenses that require international cooperation.
The most common categories include:

• Drug and smuggling offenses (international drug trafficking, arms trafficking)
• Terrorism and organized crime
• Homicide, serious bodily harm, sexual offenses
• Fraud, money laundering, and financial crimes
• Corruption and bribery
• Human trafficking or migrant smuggling
• Cybercrime and attacks on IT systems

In some instances, Red Notices are issued for political reasons, for example against opposition figures or journalists.
Such cases may constitute human rights violations, which INTERPOL reviews with particular scrutiny.

How Is a Red Notice Requested?

A country may request the issuance of a Red Notice on the basis of a judicial or prosecutorial order.
The request is reviewed by the INTERPOL General Secretariat, which decides whether it meets international criteria.
If the conditions are fulfilled, INTERPOL publishes the Red Notice.

Requirements for Issuance:

• Existence of a serious criminal allegation,
• Need for international cooperation,
• Presence of a valid arrest warrant issued by a judicial authority.

INTERPOL also verifies that the request is not politically, militarily, religiously, or racially motivated.

Can a Red Notice Be Removed?

Yes. A Red Notice can be deleted or canceled if it is found to be unlawful or based on incorrect information.
The application for removal must be submitted to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF), based in Lyon, France.

Procedure for Removal:

1. Case Review: Examination of the underlying judicial decisions and supporting evidence.
2. Preparation of the Defense File: Collection of evidence demonstrating human rights violations, political motivation, or procedural errors.
3. Submission to the CCF: Formal application for deletion of the Red Notice.
4. Assessment Process: The Commission requests information from the issuing country and evaluates the case.
5. Decision: If the application is justified, the Red Notice is completely deleted from INTERPOL’s system.

Deletion of the INTERPOL Search Record

Once a Red Notice is removed, the individual’s search record is deleted from the INTERPOL database.
This information is automatically communicated to all INTERPOL member countries,
and the person no longer appears as internationally wanted.

When Can a Red Notice Be Canceled or Deleted?

A Red Notice can be canceled or deleted under the following circumstances:

• The allegations are unfounded or the case has been closed,
• The notice was issued for political reasons,
• There is no valid judicial order,
• The sentence has been served or the offense has become time-barred,
• The person’s right to a fair trial has been violated.

How Long Does a Red Notice Remain in Force?

A Red Notice remains active until the requesting country withdraws it.
However, it can be removed if:

• The sentence expires or the offense becomes time-barred,
• The individual is acquitted,
• The CCF determines the notice to be unlawful.

A Red Notice does not expire automatically; a formal application for removal is required.

What Is the INTERPOL CCF?

The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) is an independent supervisory body within INTERPOL.
Its functions include:

• Verifying the legality of personal data stored in INTERPOL systems,
• Handling individual complaints regarding Red Notices and other records,
• Ordering the deletion of unlawful or unjustified entries when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I travel while a Red Notice is active?
That depends on the country. In Schengen states, as well as in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the risk of arrest is very high.

2. Can a Red Notice issued by Turkey be canceled?
Yes. If the notice is unlawful or violates human rights, it can be challenged and removed through an application to the INTERPOL CCF.

3. Can other countries see the removal of a Red Notice?
No. Once deleted, the entry is completely removed and all INTERPOL member countries are officially notified of the cancellation.

Conclusion: Legal Assistance in Red Notice Removal Proceedings

A Red Notice is more than just an alert — it is an international legal measure that can severely restrict an individual’s freedom.
When issued unlawfully or for political purposes, it can cause serious harm to a person’s liberty, reputation, and ability to travel.

Therefore, it is essential to seek professional legal assistance from a lawyer experienced in INTERPOL procedures.
An experienced INTERPOL attorney can strategically manage the removal process and effectively protect your rights.