Introduction to Interpol Blue Notice

Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, Interpol has issued the Blue Corner notice for ‘Prajwal Revanna’, an accused criminal charged for many sexual offences against women in India. In India, we have heard it so many time that Interpol is looking for that person, Interpol issued a guideline, Interpol issued some type of notice for a criminal or accused & so on.

Why is Interpol Blue Notice in the news? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024

The Interpol Blue Corner Notice for Prajwal Revanna, a Member of Parliament from Hassan, has gained attention due to its issuance amid allegations of sexual abuse against him. This notice signifies an international effort to locate him for questioning.

All Details about Interpol – Interpol UPSC

We have added all the details about Interpol below:

What is Interpol? – Explained

Interpol is an international organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement agencies of different countries. It enables police forces worldwide to work together to combat transnational crime, including terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime.

Full form of Interpol

Interpol’s full form is the International Criminal Police Organization, facilitating global law enforcement cooperation against transnational crime.

History / Background

We can understand the history and background of Interpol with following easy points:

Pre-20th Century Efforts

Before the 19th century, international police cooperation was ad hoc, focused on specific goals. Initiatives like the Police Union of German States in 1851 and the Anti-Anarchist Conference of Rome in 1898 aimed to address political dissidents and criminals.

Early 20th Century

Increased international travel and crime led to more formal attempts at cooperation. The 1914 International Criminal Police Congress in Monaco laid foundational principles, while the 1923 Congress in Vienna led to the establishment of the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC).

ICPC Establishment

Founded in 1923, the ICPC included members from various countries and aimed to facilitate cooperation through wanted person notices. Membership expanded rapidly, but during World War II, it fell under Nazi control.

Post-WWII Revival

After WWII, the ICPC was revived as the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) in 1946. Headquarters moved to Paris, then Lyon in 1989.

Interpol’s Role

Until the 1980s, Interpol avoided intervening in political matters. However, it faced challenges like corruption allegations against officials, as seen with former President Jackie Selebi.

Leadership Changes

Leadership transitions, such as the election of Mireille Ballestrazzi as the first female president in 2012 and the controversy surrounding Meng Hongwei’s resignation and replacement, marked Interpol’s history.

Controversies and Concerns

Interpol’s credibility faced scrutiny due to controversies like the election of leaders with questionable human rights records, such as Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi in 2021.

Operation Identify Me

In May 2023, Interpol launched Operation Identify Me, presumably as a response to ongoing global security concerns.

Objectives

Certainly! Here are the key objectives of Interpol:

1. Facilitating international police cooperation.
2. Combating terrorism.
3. Addressing human trafficking.
4. Fighting drug trafficking.
5. Combating cybercrime.
6. Tackling organized crime.
7. Sharing intelligence and information.
8. Supporting member countries in locating fugitives.
9. Developing and implementing global policing standards.
10. Enhancing public safety and security worldwide.

Constitution

The constitution of Interpol outlines its fundamental principles and objectives.

1. Article 2

Defines Interpol’s role as promoting mutual assistance between criminal police authorities within the legal frameworks of member countries and in alignment with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also emphasizes establishing institutions to prevent and suppress ordinary law crimes effectively.

2. Article 3

Strictly prohibits Interpol from engaging in any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious, or racial nature. This underscores Interpol’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and focusing solely on criminal matters.

Source – Wikipedia

Methodology

Interpol operates as a network of law enforcement agencies worldwide, rather than a supranational law enforcement entity with arresting powers. Its methodology involves administrative liaison among member countries’ law enforcement agencies, facilitated by its central headquarters in Lyon and local bureaus in member states.

1. Database Assistance

Interpol maintains databases at its Lyon headquarters, aiding law enforcement in combating international crime. These databases include information on criminals, crime trends, fingerprints, face photos, wanted persons, DNA samples, and lost/stolen travel documents.

2. Global Communication Network

Interpol’s encrypted I-24/7 network enables constant communication between Interpol agents and member countries. National Central Bureaus serve as primary access points, but some countries extend network access to key locations like airports and border points. This facilitates swift information exchange and collaboration.

3. Interpol Notices

Interpol issues eight types of notices, including red, blue, green, yellow, black, orange, and purple notices, along with a special notice upon the United Nations Security Council’s request. These notices aid in locating suspects, sharing information, and coordinating law enforcement efforts.

4. Incident Response Teams (IRTs)

In response to international disasters, terrorist attacks, or assassinations, Interpol can deploy IRTs. These teams provide expertise, database access, victim and suspect identification assistance, and logistical support to coordinate law enforcement efforts across borders.

5. Travel Documents

Interpol began issuing its travel documents in 2009, aiming to expedite travel for individuals on Interpol business by encouraging member states to waive visa requirements.

6. Membership Expansion

Interpol’s membership has expanded over the years, with Palestine and the Solomon Islands becoming members in September 2017, enhancing global cooperation in law enforcement.

Emblem

This is the Emblem of Interpol:

Finances of Interpol

Interpol’s finances are primarily sourced from member countries’ contributions, supplemented by voluntary cash and in-kind contributions. In 2019, its operating income totaled €142 million, with 41% coming from statutory member contributions, 35% from voluntary cash contributions, and 24% from in-kind contributions for equipment, services, and buildings.

Sources of Income

• Statutory Contributions: Member countries provide mandatory contributions to Interpol’s budget.
• Voluntary Cash Contributions: Additional financial support from member countries or other entities.
• In-Kind Contributions: Contributions in the form of equipment, services, or buildings provided by member countries or other partners.

Interpol Foundation for a Safer World

• Established in 2013, this foundation aims to enhance collaboration between Interpol and the private sector to support its missions.
• Though legally separate from Interpol, the foundation maintains a close relationship with it.
• In 2015, Interpol’s president influenced the departure of HSBC CEO from the foundation board following the Swiss Leaks allegations.

Auditors

• From 2004 to 2010, the French Court of Audit served as Interpol’s external auditors.
• In November 2010, the Office of the Auditor General of Norway took over this role for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of extension for another three years.
• These auditors ensure transparency and accountability in Interpol’s financial operations.

Tasks of Interpol / What do they do?

Interpol performs a wide range of tasks to facilitate international police cooperation and combat transnational crime effectively. Some of its key tasks include:

1. Facilitating Communication

Interpol serves as a platform for communication and collaboration among law enforcement agencies from different countries, enabling the exchange of information, intelligence, and expertise.

2. Crime Data Management

Interpol maintains databases containing information on criminals, crime trends, wanted persons, fingerprints, DNA samples, and lost/stolen travel documents. These databases assist member countries in tracking criminals and identifying crime patterns on a global scale.

3. Issuing Notices

Interpol issues various types of notices, including red, blue, green, yellow, black, orange, and purple notices, to aid in locating suspects, sharing information, and coordinating law enforcement efforts internationally.

4. Incident Response Teams (IRTs)

In response to international disasters, terrorist attacks, or assassinations, Interpol can deploy Incident Response Teams (IRTs) to provide expertise, database access, victim identification assistance, and logistical support to law enforcement agencies across borders.

5. Training and Capacity Building

Interpol provides training programs, workshops, and technical assistance to law enforcement officials worldwide, helping them enhance their skills and capabilities in combating crime.

6. Coordination of Operations

Interpol coordinates international law enforcement operations targeting specific criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and terrorism.

7. Supporting Member Countries

Interpol assists member countries in locating fugitives, apprehending criminals who have crossed international borders, and extraditing suspects to face justice.

8. Global Security Initiatives

Interpol participates in global security initiatives, such as Operation Identify Me, aimed at addressing emerging security challenges and enhancing public safety worldwide.

Member Countries of Interpol

These are the member countries of Interpol:

Jurisdiction of Interpol

Interpol’s jurisdiction primarily revolves around facilitating international police cooperation and providing assistance to its member countries in combating transnational crime.

What Crime do they STOP?

Here are some types of crimes that Interpol works to stop within each category:

1. Corruption:

• Bribery and graft
• Embezzlement
• Influence peddling
• Money laundering
• Trading in influence

2. Counterfeit Currency and Documents:

• Counterfeiting of currency notes and coins
• Forgery of passports and identity documents
• Production of counterfeit visas and travel documents
• Falsification of official certificates
• Distribution of fake identification cards

3. Crimes Against Children:

• Child trafficking for exploitation
• Child sexual abuse and exploitation
• Child pornography production and distribution
• Child labor exploitation
• Child abduction and kidnapping

4. Cultural Heritage Crime:

• Illegal excavation and trafficking of antiquities
• Theft of cultural artifacts and treasures
• Illicit trade in cultural property
• Destruction of archaeological sites
• Smuggling of cultural heritage items

5. Cybercrime:

• Hacking and cyber-attacks
• Identity theft and online fraud
• Phishing scams
• Malware distribution
• Cyberterrorism and cyber espionage

6. Drug Trafficking:

• Trafficking of narcotics and controlled substances
• Drug smuggling across borders
• Production and distribution of illegal drugs
• Money laundering associated with drug trade
• Drug cartel activities and organized crime involvement

7. Environmental Crime:

• Illegal wildlife trafficking
• Poaching of endangered species
• Illegal logging and deforestation
• Dumping of hazardous waste
• Pollution and environmental degradation

8. Financial Crime:

• Fraudulent investment schemes
• Insider trading and market manipulation
• Tax evasion and money laundering
• Embezzlement and misappropriation of funds
• Ponzi schemes and pyramid scams

9. Firearms Trafficking:

• Illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition
• Arms smuggling across borders
• Production and distribution of illegal firearms
• Firearms trafficking by organized crime groups
• Trafficking in military-grade weapons

10. Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling:

• Trafficking in persons for forced labor
• Sex trafficking and sexual exploitation
• Smuggling of migrants across borders
• Debt bondage and involuntary servitude
• Exploitation of vulnerable populations for profit

11. Illicit Goods:

• Trafficking in counterfeit goods (clothing, electronics, pharmaceuticals)
• Illicit trade in stolen property
• Smuggling of contraband items (tobacco, alcohol, luxury goods)
• Illicit trade in cultural artifacts and antiquities
• Trafficking in illegal animal products (ivory, rhino horn, exotic pets)

12. Maritime Crime:

• Piracy and armed robbery at sea
• Illegal fishing and overfishing
• Smuggling of drugs and contraband by sea
• Human trafficking and migrant smuggling via maritime routes
• Pollution and environmental crimes in marine environments

13. Organized Crime:

• Racketeering and extortion
• Arms trafficking
• Drug trafficking and distribution
• Human trafficking and smuggling
• Money laundering and illicit financial activities

14. Terrorism:

• Bombings and explosive attacks
• Armed assaults and shootings
• Cyberterrorism and online radicalization
• Financing and support for terrorist organizations
• Recruitment and training of terrorists

15. Vehicle Crime:

• Car theft and hijacking
• Trafficking in stolen vehicles
• Chop shops and illegal vehicle dismantling
• Fraudulent sale of stolen vehicles
• Trafficking in counterfeit vehicle parts

16. War Crimes:

• Genocide and ethnic cleansing
• Crimes against humanity
• War crimes (including violations of the laws of war)
• Mass killings and massacres
• Forced displacement and persecution of civilians

Different Types of Notices by Interpol & their meaning

Interpol issues various types of notices to facilitate international cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Each type of notice serves a specific purpose and has a distinct meaning. Here are the different types of notices issued by Interpol and their meanings:

1. Red Notice:

• Meaning: A request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition, based on a valid national arrest warrant or court decision issued by a judicial authority in a member country.
• Purpose: To assist in the identification and apprehension of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence for serious criminal offenses.

2. Blue Notice:

• Meaning: A request to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.
• Purpose: To gather information to assist in the investigation of a crime, identify suspects, or locate missing persons.

3. Green Notice:

• Meaning: A warning about a person’s criminal activities if that person is considered a possible threat to public safety.
• Purpose: To provide warnings and criminal intelligence about individuals who have committed criminal offenses and may pose a threat to public safety.

4. Yellow Notice:

• Meaning: A request to help locate missing persons, often minors, or to identify persons who are unable to identify themselves.
• Purpose: To seek assistance in locating missing persons, including children, or to identify persons who are unable to identify themselves.

5. Black Notice:

• Meaning: A request for information on unidentified bodies.
• Purpose: To seek information on the identity of deceased persons, including victims of accidents, disasters, or crimes.

6. Orange Notice:

• Meaning: A warning about an event, object, person, or process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
• Purpose: To provide information about potential threats such as weapons, explosives, chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials, as well as terrorist activities.

7. Purple Notice:

• Meaning: A request to seek or provide information on modi operandi, objects, devices, or concealment methods used by criminals.
• Purpose: To share information about criminal methods, techniques, or practices to assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and combating criminal activities.

8. Interpol-United Nations Security Council Special Notice:

• Meaning: A request for information about individuals and entities listed in connection with the enforcement of sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council.
• Purpose: To provide information about individuals, groups, or entities subject to United Nations sanctions, including travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes.

Key Facts about Interpol

These are some of the key facts about Interpol:

1. International Police Organization: Interpol, short for the International Criminal Police Organization, is an international organization that facilitates cooperation among law enforcement agencies worldwide.
2. Founded in 1923: Interpol was founded in 1923 in Vienna, Austria, as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC). It was established to address transnational crime and enhance police cooperation.
3. Headquarters: Interpol’s headquarters is located in Lyon, France. It serves as the central hub for coordinating international police cooperation and information sharing.
4. Membership: Interpol has 194 member countries, making it one of the largest international organizations in the world. Each member country maintains a National Central Bureau (NCB) to liaise with Interpol’s General Secretariat.
5. Purpose: Interpol’s primary purpose is to facilitate cross-border police cooperation and assist member countries in combating transnational crime, including terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime.
6. Notice System: Interpol issues various types of notices, including Red Notices (to locate and arrest wanted persons), Blue Notices (to collect additional information), and Green Notices (to warn about potential threats to public safety).
7. Database: Interpol maintains several databases containing information on criminals, stolen property, missing persons, fingerprints, DNA profiles, and more. These databases assist law enforcement agencies in identifying suspects and solving crimes.
8. Non-Operational Role: Interpol does not have law enforcement powers or the authority to conduct investigations or make arrests. Instead, it serves as a facilitator, providing a platform for communication and cooperation among member countries’ law enforcement agencies.
9. Global Reach: Interpol operates offices and liaison bureaus in various countries around the world, facilitating direct communication and collaboration between national law enforcement agencies and Interpol’s General Secretariat.
10. Governance: Interpol is governed by its General Assembly, which meets annually and consists of representatives from each member country. The General Assembly elects the organization’s Executive Committee, which oversees Interpol’s operations and strategic direction.

Interpol UPSC Questions

Question-1: What is Interpol?

Answer. Interpol, short for the International Criminal Police Organization, is an international organization that facilitates cooperation among law enforcement agencies worldwide to combat transnational crime.

Question-2: How does Interpol work?

Answer. Interpol works by facilitating communication and collaboration among its 194 member countries’ law enforcement agencies. It provides a platform for sharing information, intelligence, and expertise to address various forms of transnational crime.

Question-3: Can Interpol make arrests?

Answer. No, Interpol does not have law enforcement powers or the authority to make arrests. Instead, it assists member countries in locating and apprehending suspects through the issuance of notices and the sharing of information.

Question-4: What are Interpol notices?

Answer. Interpol issues notices to alert member countries about individuals wanted for prosecution, missing persons, or potential threats to public safety. These notices include Red Notices, Blue Notices, Green Notices, and others.

Question-5: How do countries become members of Interpol?

Answer. Countries become members of Interpol by ratifying the organization’s constitution and establishing a National Central Bureau (NCB) to coordinate with Interpol’s General Secretariat.

Question-6: What types of crimes does Interpol focus on?

Answer. Interpol focuses on combating a wide range of transnational crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, organized crime, and corruption.

Question-7: How does Interpol handle data privacy and security?

Answer. Interpol adheres to strict data privacy and security protocols to safeguard the information shared among member countries. It operates within the legal frameworks and regulations of each member country.

Question-8: Can individuals access Interpol’s databases?

Answer. No, Interpol’s databases are accessible only to authorized law enforcement agencies and officials from member countries. They are not accessible to the general public or individuals.

Question-9: What role does Interpol play in counterterrorism efforts?

Answer. Interpol plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat terrorism. It assists in tracking terrorist suspects, sharing intelligence, and coordinating joint operations.

Question-10: How can countries request assistance from Interpol?

Answer. Member countries can request assistance from Interpol by contacting their National Central Bureau (NCB) or Interpol’s General Secretariat. They can submit requests for notices, share information on criminal activities, and seek support for investigations and operations.