ARTICLE
30 August 2024

What Is An INTERPOL Purple Notice?

G
Gherson

Contributor

Founded in 1988 by Roger Gherson, Gherson Solicitors LLP was first established as a boutique immigration law firm based in London. Now servicing clients across all areas of immigration, international protection and human rights, white collar crime, sanctions, and civil litigation and arbitration, Gherson LLP’s offices continue to expand across Europe.

With over 35 years of experience, Gherson’s expertise extends from meeting the migration needs of international business people and UK-based companies to litigation in all UK jurisdictions and the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice.

The article discusses INTERPOL's Purple Notice, which requests or provides information about criminal methods, devices, or hiding tactics, primarily related to organized crime. Unlike the Red Notice, it is not an arrest warrant. Member countries can request its issuance.
United Kingdom Criminal Law
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The INTERPOL Red Notice receives significant attention in the media, both positive and negative. However, this is not the only notice that INTERPOL can issue.

The Red Notice, while not an arrest warrant itself, is a valuable tool that help international jurisdictions with locating, detaining and returning individuals suspected of criminal activity.

However, it still faces criticism. As we discussed in a previous article, the focus at INTERPOL's General Assembly in Vienna last year, attended by more than a thousand police and law enforcement officers, was on ensuring proper checks are in place to prevent the misuse of the Red Notice.

There are various other notices that can be issued by INTERPOL, one of which is the Purple Notice, used to seek or provide information about criminal practices, objects, devices, or hiding places of criminals. This article the Purple Notice in more detail.

What is the purpose of a Purple Notice?

The INTERPOL Purple Notice requests or provides information about criminals' methods of operation, objects, gadgets, and hiding tactics. Purple Notices are not arrest warrants.

In short, Purple Notices are normally issued when INTERPOL believes that the person in question is involved in criminal activity but there is not enough evidence for a Red Notice.

Who can issue a Purple Notice?

Purple Notices are issued by INTERPOL.

Who do Purple Notices usually refer to?

Purple Notices often refer to criminal groups or organised gangs.

What crimes do Purple Notices usually refer to?

Purple Notices may include cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organised crime.

Who can request that a Purple Notice be issued?

Any INTERPOL member country can request the issuance of a Purple Notice.

Who is able to access a Purple Notice?

INTERPOL publishes Purple Notices on its website, accessible to all member countries. However, if you are the subject of an INTERPOL Purple Notice or want to check whether a Purple Notice has been issued, you can contact INTERPOL to enquire about any information they may have on file about you. It is recommended to seek legal expertise before you engage in communication with INTERPOL.

How Gherson can help

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. That advice includes:

  1. How to best approach a possible INTERPOL notice
  2. Preparing for potential criminal proceedings/an extradition request
  3. Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings
  4. Exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson have previously written a series of articles designed to assist those who fear they might be subject to INTERPOL measures:

What is an INTERPOL Green Notice and can it be challenged?

What is an INTERPOL Orange Notice and can it be challenged?

What is the purpose of an INTERPOL Blue Notice, and can it be challenged?

What is an INTERPOL Blue Notice?

INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges

How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice

INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition

How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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