Interpol warrants facilitate effective cooperation among countries in combating transnational crime, aiding in the swift exchange of information and coordination of actions to establish a solid foundation for capturing criminals on the international stage. In the United Arab Emirates, the issuance of an International Arrest Warrant is governed by the UAE Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Law, and the Civil Procedure Law.

An Interpol Arrest Warrant, also known as a Red Notice, is an international request for the temporary detention of an individual sought for serious crimes, with the aim of further extradition.

It’s important to note that Interpol itself does not have the legal authority to issue an International Arrest Warrant, as the organization is not a law enforcement agency. Red Notices are used to inform member countries that a person sought after should be detained pending possible extradition.

In some countries, a red notice is recognized as grounds for detention, while in others, it is merely a recommendation without any legal force. The state that discovers the individual sought makes its own decision regarding arrest and subsequent extradition based on the specifics of its national legislation.

How Interpol Arrest Warrants Work

Unlike national law enforcement agencies, Interpol does not have its own law enforcement forces and cannot directly arrest suspects. Instead, it acts as a mediator, facilitating the exchange of information and assisting countries in apprehending wanted individuals.

The process of issuing an Interpol Arrest Warrant begins with submitting a request for the issuance of a red notice. It must be accompanied by evidence of the crime, information about the identity of the person sought, their possible whereabouts, and the legal basis for detention. After the request is submitted, it is checked for compliance with the standards and rules of the Organization.

After a thorough review, Interpol issues a red notice in its secure I-24/7 network. This notice becomes accessible to all member countries and includes information about the individual, as well as a description of the crime they are wanted for. Now, member countries have the opportunity to detain the individual if they are found within their territory.

In the UAE, an arrest warrant can be issued for a wide range of offenses, from minor infractions to serious crimes. The legal system operates on the basis of Sharia laws for personal status matters and federal legislation in criminal cases, ensuring adherence to Islamic principles and universal standards of justice throughout the legal process. Once an arrest warrant is issued, law enforcement agencies can detain the suspect anywhere, including private homes, workplaces, or public spaces.

To facilitate rapid information exchange between member countries and coordinate efforts in combating international crime, Interpol uses a system of color-coded alerts:

Special Notice is also used to support UN sanctions measures

The process of issuing Interpol Wanted List EAU orders is governed by both international law and the national legislation of the country. Interpol’s activities are based on its constitution, which regulates the interaction between member countries.

The UAE is required to adhere to international agreements and obligations that regulate international search and extradition. The UAE has also signed a number of agreements with other countries, including the United Kingdom and European Union countries, which allows for the coordination of the arrest and extradition process for individuals wanted on Interpol warrants.

In the UAE, the Federal Law on International Cooperation in Criminal Matters is in effect, which governs international interaction in the realm of law enforcement, including the execution of Interpol arrest warrants. Within the country, activities are coordinated by the UAE Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Abu Dhabi. The bureau is responsible for verifying and executing Interpol’s red notices, and works on legal and administrative support for extradition requests.

An Interpol arrest warrant implies the possibility of temporarily detaining an individual with the aim of subsequently extraditing the wanted person to the country that issued the arrest request. Law enforcement agencies in the UAE have the authority to detain the individual named in the Red Notice and initiate extradition proceedings.

If an individual believes that the request is motivated by political, religious, or other discriminatory reasons, they can present their arguments to cancel the extradition. However, the legal process can be lengthy and involve costs for legal support.

Additionally, such individuals face restrictions on crossing borders. Travel could become impossible, as any trip abroad may lead to detention.

Having a red notice can lead to the freezing of bank accounts and assets in the UAE. Additionally, the individual might face denials of banking services, making it difficult to conduct financial transactions and access funds.

Authorities in the UAE can deny individuals under a red notice the ability to obtain or renew a residency visa. If the person is already a resident, their status may be revoked, resulting in the need to leave the country after legal proceedings are concluded.

The primary mechanism for protection against an international arrest warrant is to file a complaint with the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). This independent body is responsible for reviewing and ensuring the rights of individuals who are sought after.

If an Interpol notice violates the principles of neutrality, has political, religious, or racial motives, or contradicts international human rights standards, the CCF can cancel the notice. An experienced lawyer will analyze all the circumstances and gather evidence to confirm the illegality of the order.

Another possible reason for the removal of an Interpol arrest warrant is the potential violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. If the country requesting extradition poses a threat of torture, unfair trial, political persecution, or capital punishment to the suspect, extradition will be denied.

If the crime for which a red notice was issued falls under the statute of limitations, this can serve as a basis for its cancellation.

Our team of lawyers has extensive experience in international law, so we are ready to provide comprehensive legal support for issues related to the Interpol Wanted List EAU.

We assist clients in contesting notifications, provide defense in legal proceedings, submit complaints to the CCF Commission, and protect your rights at an international level. Our experts offer comprehensive support for individuals facing extradition. Our lawyers will help challenge the extradition request and will represent your interests at all court hearings. After a detailed analysis, an experienced specialist will develop the most effective strategy to minimize legal risks.

Our team also provides assistance in obtaining citizenship, residence permits, and processing other immigration documents. We support our clients through every step, from document preparation to representing their interests in government agencies. Our lawyers work on lifting sanctions, removing restrictions, and protecting assets, ensuring the minimization of legal risks and the preservation of your property.

We possess high expertise in Interpol matters, which allows us to develop individual effective defense strategies for each situation. In our work, we adhere to the principles of confidentiality, honesty, and transparency, ensuring clients a high level of trust and support at all stages of the legal process.

Contact us right now for an initial consultation and to discuss possible steps to protect your rights and interests. Our team is ready to assist even in the most complex legal situations.